The air was filled with an awkward smell.

Qu Yunmie’s head dropped, and he silently flipped the letter over. He continued to look at the paper with focus, though his eyes remained motionless for a long time.

Xiao Rong laughed so hard his body shook. He would stand up and then crouch down, completely unconcerned about how black Qu Yunmie’s face had turned.

Qu Yunmie, humiliated and angry, slammed the letter onto the table. He asked Xiao Rong, “Are you done laughing?!”

Xiao Rong took a long breath, wiped away the tears at the corners of his eyes with his thumb, and then slowly sat up straight. “Your Majesty,” he said, “I have laughed enough.”

Qu Yunmie: “…”

He wanted to hit him.

Yet that was all he did—just thought about it.

Both of their emotions gradually calmed down. This was how they usually were. When they argued, it seemed like they were about to fight any second, but when they made up, it was as if nothing had ever happened. Qu Yunmie wasn’t used to interacting with others like this, but whether he was used to it or not, it had already become this way.

…

After he had calmed down, Xiao Rong reached out and picked up the letter Qu Yunmie had been reading earlier. He had already taken it over to his side, but still asked as a formality, “May I have a look?”

Qu Yunmie thought about saying that it was a little late to ask, but he had never won in a war of words. He was always the one left frustrated, so he simply let it go and silently stared at Xiao Rong without saying anything.

Xiao Rong understood, so he flipped the letter over and began reading quickly.

…

This was a letter from Yuan Baifu. The first part discussed military discipline, the movements of the Xianbei people, and the fact that a large number of Xianbei soldiers were gathering, with frequent envoys leaving the city, probably to seek reinforcements.

Xiao Rong wasn’t concerned with any of this. Historically, the Xianbei were like grasshoppers after the autumn harvest—no matter how reckless Qu Yunmie was, he could always defeat them. Moreover, they were better prepared now, so he merely glanced at the first part and then continued reading.

The latter part of the letter wasn’t about military affairs but more like casual conversation. Yuan Baifu shared some interesting things with Qu Yunmie, reassuring him that things were fine in Yanmen County, everyone was well, and the entire army was waiting for the King’s arrival. As for the King’s untrusted advisor, Wang Xinyong, he was always busy training the troops and counting coal mines. As a former Southern Yong native, he was indeed more afraid of the cold than the people of the north.

At the end of the letter, Yuan Baifu advised Qu Yunmie to follow the advice of Master Gao, seek counsel from the scholars, and work on fixing his blunt way of speaking. He warned that he should no longer offend the scholars and mentioned that Xiao Rong had accomplished many things in Chenliu. He urged Qu Yunmie to control his temper around Xiao Rong, as, although Xiao Rong was a rare scholar who could peacefully coexist with him, relationships didn’t fall apart in an instant. It often happened little by little, and perhaps Qu Yunmie didn’t realize when he might have offended Xiao Rong. When Xiao Rong left, Qu Yunmie would regret it too late.

Lastly, Yuan Baifu mentioned that this year’s general’s wine was ready to be drunk, and he had reserved two jars. He invited Qu Yunmie to drink together when he came.

Xiao Rong: “…”

After reading it once, he couldn’t resist reading it again. This wasn’t just a military report, but a family letter of sorts. Xiao Rong had always known that Yuan Baifu was the person Qu Yunmie trusted most, but he had rarely seen how they interacted. Now, after reading the letter, he realized why.

When Qu Yunmie and Yuan Baifu were together, it was usually just the two of them, whether for personal or official matters. Qu Yunmie preferred to only seek Yuan Baifu’s help.

…

This had the feeling of a letter where one person was completely relying on the other.

Xiao Rong didn’t say much about Yuan Baifu, since he didn’t really know him, but he was a bit puzzled. Qu Yunmie trusted him as well, didn’t he? He had even marched south for him. That was something only Chancellor Gao could demand. So why didn’t Qu Yunmie ever let him handle more matters? Sometimes when he saw him too busy, Qu Yunmie would get upset and tell him not to be so domineering by taking on all the duties himself.

Xiao Rong: “…”

Did Qu Yunmie think this was what he wanted? If only Qu Yunmie had a few capable people under him, he wouldn’t have to pretend to be ten people to manage everything.

Forget it, thinking about it just annoyed him. He pushed the letter back to Qu Yunmie and said, “General Yuan is very concerned about Your Majesty.”

Qu Yunmie glanced at him. “Indeed. You should learn from him.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

Don’t get angry. Don’t get angry. Imagine he’s a wild bull but only has the brain of a hamster.

Qu Yunmie looked at Xiao Rong, noticing his expression freeze and then soften. He had no idea what Xiao Rong was thinking, but he figured it was better not to know.

Xiao Rong relaxed and returned to speaking to Qu Yunmie with a calm demeanor. “Your Majesty grew up with General Yuan and General Jian, right?”

Qu Yunmie nodded, then added, “As well as Gongsun Yuan. I first met Jian Qiao, then Yuan Baifu, and finally Gongsun Yuan.”

Xiao Rong smiled lightly. “You’ve known them for almost twenty years. I’m sure many people envy Your Majesty.”

Qu Yunmie didn’t understand what there was to envy. They were all children of the Northern Army, so naturally, they grew up together. None of them had anywhere to go or anyone to rely on, so they could only stay together and grow up this way.

Xiao Rong could see Qu Yunmie’s confusion, but didn’t explain. Having a few childhood friends wasn’t rare, but each of them had the ability to command troops, which was. Although they were all military children, it wasn’t uncommon to have bad apples from good stock.

However…

Having everyone be so capable was both a good and bad thing. The more capable someone was, the harder they were to control. The closer someone was, the easier it was for dark thoughts to fester. It was like criminal cases—ninety percent of the time, the perpetrators were familiar people who knew how to destroy you.

Xiao Rong paused for a moment, then suddenly lifted his head. “Your Majesty, how about moving the time of departure forward by ten days? I’d like to prepare more supplies, have the logistics department bring them along, and distribute them at the oath-taking ceremony when we arrive at Yanmen Pass. There’s nothing too valuable, just a heart-protecting mirror for each person, and a white cloth strip. The heart-protecting mirror is for the soldiers’ protection, and the cloth strip can be tied to their bodies or their heads. This is a war of revenge, a war of remembrance. After it’s over, the white cloth stained with the enemy’s blood will be more valuable than any spoils.”

Xiao Rong calculated the cost of the heart-protecting mirrors in his mind. They didn’t need to be too fancy, as their spiritual value exceeded their actual worth. The store rooms were filled with old, moldy coins, some from previous dynasties, but none were worth much. When the Northern Army spent money, it usually started at several thousand silver, so they rarely paid with copper coins. Moreover, the copper coins were of mixed quality, and sooner or later, Xiao Rong would have to issue new currency. He had originally planned to keep the old coins to re-mint them.

Now, it seemed like they could be used for the heart-protecting mirrors, and the white cloth strips were even simpler. He would be able to buy enough for everyone in three days.

Xiao Rong was lost in thought, but didn’t notice Qu Yunmie say something. When he realized it and went to ask, Qu Yunmie just shook his head, indicating that he hadn’t said anything.

Actually, he had said, “Do you want to go on the expedition with me?”

From the beginning, he had never intended to take Xiao Rong to Shengle City. Even now, he didn’t plan to do so, but just now, some inexplicable impulse made him ask.

Xiao Rong was calculating, pinching every penny, but every time he was generous, it was directed at Qu Yunmie.

Although the items were meant for the soldiers, Qu Yunmie, as a general, could tell Xiao Rong’s intentions. He was helping him win the army’s loyalty, boosting their morale, and providing reasons for every one of Qu Yunmie’s stubborn actions, so that others couldn’t slander him with words.

Qu Yunmie thought about saying he didn’t care. Gossip was just a breeze to him, but then he realized it wasn’t about him. Xiao Rong cared. Xiao Rong didn’t want to hear others speak ill of him.

Xiao Rong kept talking about the oath-taking ceremony, deciding that they wouldn’t distribute wine, but Qu Yunmie’s speech skills were so poor that words alone couldn’t stir the soldiers. He planned to remind Qu Yunmie how to speak to them, but as he spoke, he gave up. He clicked his tongue and said indifferently, “Forget it. Before Your Majesty sets out, I’ll write the speech, and you just need to memorize it.”

Qu Yunmie nodded, indicating that he understood.

Xiao Rong stared at him in surprise.

He actually agreed without even criticizing his attitude or tone?

The next moment, something even more shocking happened.

Qu Yunmie calmly looked at him and said, “I always make you work so hard.”

Xiao Rong’s eyes widened, and in his stunned gaze, Qu Yunmie lowered his eyes, speaking softly, “But I don’t want to change.”

Just like the occasional thoughts in his heart, what people thought and what they did were always two different things. He didn’t want to change, but he couldn’t stand seeing Xiao Rong work so hard, so he tried to change.

Even with all his flaws, there would come a day when he would fix them all if only to prevent Xiao Rong from no longer speaking to him. If Xiao Rong no longer spoke to him patiently, no longer came to check on what he was doing, or no longer worried about his behavior, then between the two of them… what was left to be done?

Qu Yunmie froze.

He believed that he and Xiao Rong were already very close, but when he thought back, he realized something.

Xiao Rong has never come to find him for no reason. Every time he came, it was for something—to either advise him, ask him to do something, or inquire about something. If he and Xiao Rong sat together without saying anything, it was usually when Xiao Rong came to find him. Only in that situation would Xiao Rong remain quiet for a while.

This silence didn’t seem like the harmonious coexistence Qu Yunmie had imagined. Instead, it felt like Xiao Rong had nothing to say to him unless it was about official matters.

Suddenly, Qu Yunmie remembered something Xiao Rong had said before: he didn’t want to owe him a favor.

Qu Yunmie’s mind became a little confused because he couldn’t untangle the relationships between these things. Everything pointed to one thing, but he couldn’t figure out what that was.

Xiao Rong called him in confusion. “Your Majesty, Your Majesty?”

Qu Yunmie looked up.

Xiao Rong’s heart skipped a beat. Qu Yunmie’s expression seemed strange to him, but he didn’t think much of it and instead asked the question he had been wanting to ask. “The main commanders of the four armies should all go to battle with His Majesty. I wonder what Your Majesty thinks of the person named Di Fazeng. Though he was defeated by Your Majesty, he is an extraordinary general. Would you like to recruit him?”

The half-hour of worldview reconstruction wasn’t wasted. Once he accepted that Qu Yunmie was the top powerhouse of this era, Xiao Rong almost immediately stopped fearing Di Fazeng.

In terms of martial strength, he was no match for Qu Yunmie, in terms of intelligence, he couldn’t compare to himself either.

Even though he didn’t know much about Di Fazeng’s past, Xiao Rong had vaguely heard of his name. He was particularly good at leading troops and using people. He was the type of ruler who excelled at military command. If his strategies were also very clever, Xiao Rong would definitely have that impression, so he could boldly claim that Di Fazeng couldn’t compare to his own strategies.

Moreover, even if he was being a bit arrogant, Di Fazeng didn’t have to just be a general but could also become an adviser. Xiao Rong wouldn’t be afraid of him.

If he was really pushed to the edge, Xiao Rong would no longer take things slow. After all, if he knew so many ways to improve the lives of people, he naturally also knew many ways to improve weapons. Some were particularly vicious, almost resembling the early forms of biological weapons—coating weapons with feces and animal blood. This way, even if the enemy didn’t die on the battlefield, they would die from infections on the way back.

However, things hadn’t gotten that serious yet, and since the King was really formidable, Xiao Rong hadn’t thought of using such methods.

Even if Di Fazeng was strong, he could never overcome a knowledge reserve of 1500 years. In terms of martial arts, he and Qu Yunmie weren’t on the same level. Similarly, in terms of knowledge, Di Fazeng couldn’t compare with Xiao Rong.

Thus, Xiao Rong’s mentality was quite balanced. He wanted to hear Qu Yunmie’s opinion first before deciding where to send Di Fazeng.

Di Fazeng was an important person. He wouldn’t erase his existence, but this was a different world now. The benefits he once enjoyed had now shifted to Qu Yunmie’s head. As for whether it was fair or not… that didn’t matter. Was Qu Yunmie’s tragic death in the official history fair?

Qu Yunmie remained silent for a moment after hearing Xiao Rong’s words, unsure whether he was thinking or reacting. In any case, he said with little emotion, “His skills are fine. Let him continue being your guard. With him protecting you, I can feel a bit more at ease in Shengle.”

Qu Yunmie spoke absentmindedly, perhaps not even realizing his own words. Xiao Rong was stunned because Qu Yunmie didn’t usually speak like this. His usual way of speaking would be, ‘Your body is so weak, of course, you need protection. That way, I won’t worry about you dying in Chenliu after I leave.’

Xiao Rong: “…”

So terrifying. It was as if another Qu Yunmie had spoken in his mind just now.

**

After leaving Qu Yunmie, Xiao Rong hurriedly ate and then went to find Di Fazeng.

The heat had some benefits—Di Fazeng’s hair had dried by now.

…

When Di Fazeng saw Xiao Rong walk in, he immediately stood up from his daze.

Xiao Rong smiled and said, “Sit down. You performed very well today. I don’t think there’s anyone in the entire Northern Army who could have lasted as long as you did under the King’s hand. It seems my judgment wasn’t wrong. You are truly a worthy warrior of Rouran.”

This was Xiao Rong’s second time calling him a warrior. Xiao Rong probably didn’t know that not everyone could be called a warrior in Rouran. It was considered the highest praise in Rouran, and a runaway slave like him was completely unworthy of it.

It was also a bit interesting—while Rouran people admired the strong, there was one prerequisite: the strong couldn’t be a slave.

Out there, the Xianbei people looked down on the Rouran people, insulting them in every way possible, treating them badly, and giving them all kinds of tasks. Meanwhile, Rouran, as the oppressed side, secretly hated the Xianbei and hoped they would perish soon while simultaneously treating their own slaves the same way. Once someone became a slave, it was as if they were no longer human, no matter how powerful they once were. Anyone could step on or kick them.

Di Fazeng wasn’t a slave because he made a mistake—he was born a slave. His family had been unable to rise to the status of commoners for several generations. He didn’t even know who his father was. His mother became pregnant with him and had no choice but to give birth to him. He couldn’t even remember what his mother looked like because the woman died when he was five.

It was probably better that way. Female slaves were even more pitiful than male slaves. During the day, female slaves had to work, and at night, they were subjected to the male slaves’ frustrations. Their masters didn’t care about this, as male slaves were easy to cause trouble when their desires weren’t satisfied. Once a female slave gave birth to a child, that child would become a new slave.

Di Fazeng’s situation was a bit of an anomaly. He remembered large grasslands, where no one was as big as he was now. Thanks to his size, he managed to escape that cage at twelve and wandered south, because he had heard that in the Southern Yong Dynasty, there were spices and gold everywhere.

Being big was great, but if you were also dumb, you’d suffer a lot. Di Fazeng couldn’t count how many people he had met in his life, some good, some bad. Honestly, by now, he didn’t care what anyone’s attitude towards him was.

Whether it was good or bad, these people didn’t stay in his life for long. They didn’t matter, and Di Fazeng didn’t waste time on them.

Just like Xiao Rong.

Di Fazeng had always kept a low profile. The only time he showed obvious emotion was when Qu Yunmie invited him to a fight. After the fight, he returned to his half-dead state. Even though he lost, he didn’t show any liveliness.

What drew Di Fazeng to Qu Yunmie was his strength. Xiao Rong didn’t have that. Even though he looked like a celestial being, to Di Fazeng, he was just like a stone.

When Xiao Rong praised him, he just went along with it, trying not to appear too offensive. This was a survival principle he had learned from years of wandering: Say what was appropriate for the person you met, and life would be much easier.

Seeing Di Fazeng’s expression, Xiao Rong couldn’t help but frown.

This wasn’t quite like the image of the Emperor of the Grasslands he had imagined, but he didn’t think Di Fazeng was someone like Song Shuo, who matured late, and thus hadn’t yet shown his sharpness.

Song Shuo’s situation didn’t occur for another twenty-six years, but Di Fazeng was only six years from his. If history followed its usual course, he would return to Rouran next year.

Xiao Rong understood. This was just his facade. This person was a boiler. From the outside, he seemed cold and indifferent, not interested in anything, but inside, he was already heating up to over a thousand degrees, just waiting for the lid to be opened.

That’s how one silently achieved great things. Either they did nothing, or they did something big.

Xiao Rong pondered for a moment and then found a place to sit down. He asked Di Fazeng to sit as well, but Di Fazeng had spent so many years in the Central Plains and knew he wasn’t in a position to sit.

Xiao Rong didn’t care about that and tilted his head slightly to look at him. “How many years have you been in Jinling?”

Di Fazeng replied, “Ten years, but when I had a master, I would leave Jinling. To be precise, I’ve spent less than a year here.”

Xiao Rong asked, “Why didn’t you return to Rouran?”

Di Fazeng replied, “I have the mark of a slave. If I go back, they’ll capture me.”

Xiao Rong asked, “Have you heard of me?”

Di Fazeng finally lifted his eyelids to glance at him but quickly lowered them again. “I’ve heard of you.”

Xiao Rong smiled. “Let me guess. The version of me you’ve heard of is probably like this: I can divine, I’m highly valued by the Northern King and I’m a strange person. A rare individual who managed to survive under the Northern King.”

Xiao Rong’s voice wasn’t too loud nor too soft. Mainly because this was his courtyard, and he didn’t have to worry about others coming in. Indeed, no one would barge in without notice, however the guards at the entrance would never stop a certain person from entering.

Qu Yunmie felt uneasy, and by the time he’d regained his focus, Xiao Rong had already left. In the choice between staying in place to continue hesitating or directly asking the person who caused the hesitation, he decisively chose the latter.

…

Just as he walked to this point, he heard a voice, and Qu Yunmie paused, his steps coming to an abrupt halt.

Inside, Di Fazeng didn’t contradict Xiao Rong. It was something he had heard before, not something he had said. He wasn’t worried that Xiao Rong would take action against him because of it.

Then Xiao Rong asked him another question. “Do people outside really want to know why I would join the Northern King?”

Di Fazeng: “…”

No. They all say you and the Northern King are birds of a feather, so it’s perfectly normal for you to come together.

Ahem. If he replied with that, Xiao Rong might take offense, so Di Fazeng didn’t hesitate and lied directly, saying, “Yes, they really want to know.”

…

Xiao Rong didn’t notice the lie. He smiled again. “The reason is simple. I can tell you here because I know that in this chaotic world, there can only be one winner, and that person is the Northern King, Qu Yunmie.

“Do you want to know why I am so sure?”

Di Fazeng: “…”

No, it has nothing to do with me.

Yet in the next second, Di Fazeng nodded. “Please enlighten me.”

Xiao Rong smiled slightly. “Because he was born into a terrible family.”

Qu Yunmie: “…”

Xiao. Rong!

Di Fazeng looked at him with no expression. He knew that Xiao Rong was trying to use the Northern King as an example to persuade him. After all, Di Fazeng’s martial prowess was strong, and over the years, many people had tried to win him over, but he had rejected them all because they wanted him to serve them. Di Fazeng didn’t want to entrust his fate to any “Master.”

A patron was different. Once the transaction was completed, they had no further connection.

Xiao Rong, still unaware of the Qu Yunmie outside, continued leisurely, “I’m indeed a strange person. I come from a branch of a prestigious family, but I dislike everything about these families. I entered the world as a scholar, but I don’t even identify with the scholar’s status. I’m not afraid to tell you, I’ve always thought of myself as a commoner who has read some books.”

Di Fazeng’s expression changed slightly.

He understood what Xiao Rong meant by this sentence. He was trying to distance himself from the scholar class. It was fine for an ordinary person to do this, but he was the Northern King’s adviser, and the most trusted one at that. This attitude would anger many people.

Di Fazeng’s thoughts had nearly reached the stratosphere. 

Qu Yunmie standing outside furrowed his brows and tilted his head. A “commoner who has read some books”? Doesn’t that just mean a scholar? Why did Xiao Rong feel the need to emphasize it?

…

When Di Fazeng understood, Xiao Rong finally stood up. “I’m always the target of many, because human nature doesn’t change. Even if I pretend I don’t have these thoughts now, sooner or later, I will reveal them. Some people can lie to themselves for a lifetime, but I’m not the kind of person who can deceive myself.”

Qu Yunmie was stunned. Xiao Rong might have said this casually, but Qu Yunmie felt that Xiao Rong had finally let slip a truth by accident.

Inside, Xiao Rong was still speaking. “The South cannot accommodate me, nor can other countries. The many leaders scattered across the Central Plains won’t tolerate me having such ideas, because people always have to compromise. When I stand on the opposite side of a class, no one else will stand behind me.”

Di Fazeng looked at him deeply. He knew Xiao Rong was right.

In the next second, Xiao Rong suddenly changed the subject. “The Northern King is different.”

Qu Yunmie, who had been deep in thought, immediately looked up when he heard this.

……

“The world could only see that the King came from a refugee background, someone who was almost a bandit. The world also only saw that the King liked to kill. Anyone who offended him would lose their life. His vengeance was so fierce that no one dared stay by his side. People naturally avoid harm and seek benefit, so a King with no support couldn’t last long. This was what the world thought, and it couldn’t be said they were wrong. After all, the people’s vision is limited. They didn’t know the King, nor could they see him. They could only focus on superficial things. Do you know what the world couldn’t see?”

Di Fazeng looked at him, this time without thinking, ‘what does that have to do with me?’ in his heart.

Xiao Rong chuckled lightly. “They couldn’t see the King’s tolerance. They couldn’t see that the King had humble origins and had a difficult life growing up. They couldn’t see how many times he had faced separation and death. He is the only one who can make an exiled criminal his Chancellor. He is the only one who can accept all my ideas and truly think about the people’s welfare. Moreover, his tolerance isn’t just for the Chancellor and me, but for all those who are displaced and homeless in this world. The King never rejects the common people who seek refuge, or the soldiers who pledge allegiance. As long as someone comes, he accepts them. Perhaps the King himself has never realized that he is reluctant to bind anyone. In his view, these people don’t belong to him, they are simply tired from traveling and come to settle under his rule. Do you know how rare this idea is in this world?”

He had asked Di Fazeng, but it was Qu Yunmie who was stunned.

Did he really think like that?

After thinking about it, it seemed what Xiao Rong said wasn’t wrong. He really didn’t care about those who came and went. Whether they left or stayed, he didn’t mind.

Gao Xunzhi: Yes, of course, you don’t mind. How impressive you are, huh, Father.

…

While Qu Yunmie’s was in a daze, Xiao Rong had already moved on to the next phase, passionately instilling the concept of human rights into Di Fazeng. For an ordinary person, this might not be very effective, but Di Fazeng was a slave with power, and he definitely wouldn’t fail to understand.

As expected, Qu Yunmie’s’ attitude, one of governance without ownership, made Di Fazeng’s gaze gradually change. He admitted that he would love to live in such a place — if he were still twelve.

He was twenty-five now. He had become strong enough, and no one in this world could possess him. So, why would he look for a place like that? He could become that place himself.

He could already imagine the next question Xiao Rong would ask him, which would probably be: “Would you like to stay with the King of the North?”

However, Xiao Rong asked a question that almost made him lose his poker face.

“Would you like to become another King of the North?”

Di Fazeng: “…”

This scheming person from the Central Plains. You think you can’t conquer me, so you’ll just kill me instead

Di Fazeng fell silent for a moment before saying, “I don’t want to, nor do I dare.”

Xiao Rong laughed heartily. “Don’t be afraid, I’m just joking with you. Even if you wanted to become one, you couldn’t. There’s only one Qu Yunmie’s in this world. No one can become him, nor imitate him, but every place needs a king for the world to be peaceful. If the dragons have no leader, chaos begins. Although I don’t want to be a scholar in the worldly sense, I don’t oppose the existence of ranks and classes. Order is the foundation of peace. So, what I’m asking is, would you be willing to be like the King of the North and become the future Rouran King or even the King of Beihai?”

Beihai referred to Lake Baikal, which was so vast that people mistook it for a sea.

Di Fazeng stared at Xiao Rong, and felt that Xiao Rong’s mind had gone awry.

…

He opened his mouth to respond, “I’m just a slave–”

Xiao Rong interrupted him, “No, you were a slave in Rouran. Once you left Rouran, you became a mercenary of the Central Plains. That identity only lasted until an hour ago, after your sparring with the King. The King personally said he wanted you to be my guard. When he goes to fight the Xianbei, your task will be to protect me and protect Chenliu.”

Qu Yunmie: “…”

He had to admit he was impressed by Xiao Rong, who played so many tricks that even he couldn’t distinguish what was really said.

Xiao Rong continued, “You may not have any concept of my status, but I can tell you this: my last guard was the King’s most trusted lieutenant general. After we deal with the Xianbei, he will likely be promoted to a general, and you’re going to replace someone like that. From a slave to a lieutenant general, do you think this is something anyone can achieve?”

Di Fazeng was speechless, and Xiao Rong asked, “Which is harder? To go from slave to lieutenant general, or from lieutenant general to Rouran King?”

Di Fazeng said, “You flatter me, sir.”

Xiao Rong smiled meaningfully. “Why do you think I’m flattering you? You were a slave, an outsider, just defeated by our King. If I’m not out of my mind, what would make me trust you so much? Di Fazeng, the King’s ambition has never been limited to just the Central Plains. Throughout history, the grasslands have raided the Central Plains without pause. The grassland people live in harsh conditions, and a natural disaster could wipe out their entire tribe. This situation has never truly disappeared. Today, I’ve said all this to you, and I’m not afraid of you knowing. One day, the King will march deeper into the grasslands, protect this land, and make the wicked pay in blood. Whether it’s you or someone else, I hope that person will be you. Would you dare think about it?”

Di Fazeng: “…”

He didn’t know how to respond.

Qu Yunmie: “…”

Feeling guilty, Qu Yunmie thought, ‘how does Xiao Rong know I still want to fight elsewhere? I never said anything about that.’

Di Fazeng pondered for a while before saying, “I—”

Xiao Rong didn’t let him finish. “Maybe the words Rouran King scared you. Right now, I don’t expect you to achieve that quickly. You’re still my guard, not even a lieutenant general yet. What I’m saying is what I think. I won’t give you any special treatment because of that. If you want something, you have to fight for it yourself. I’m offering you the same opportunity as any other in the Northern Army. Still, as you know, I’m a strange person. My accepting you doesn’t mean the Northern Army will. If you stay among them, you’ll have to work harder than they do. Fortunately, the Northern Army is a strange place. There are no colleagues who plot against each other, no discrimination based on background. As long as you’re strong, one day, the Northern Army will accept you and treat you as one of their own.”

After saying all that, Xiao Rong was a bit tired. He pursed his lips, then looked at Di Fazeng. “So, how about it? Want to try?”

No.

No matter how appealing Xiao Rong’s words were, his first instinct was still to refuse because he knew that if he agreed, it would likely lead him down an irreversible path. Xiao Rong might be serious, or he might be lying, but whether what he said was true or not, once he made a decision, he couldn’t get off this ship.

Mercenaries and joining the Northern Army were completely different concepts. The former was driven by necessity, while the latter was a betrayal of the grasslands, making him a traitor in the eyes of all the grassland people.

Even so, he still couldn’t bring himself to say those words aloud, just silently resisted.

Di Fazeng slowly lowered his eyes, knowing that after this long silence, the Chenliu official had already understood his answer.

Yes, Xiao Rong already knew his answer.

He laughed heartily and applauded. “As expected! It took me so long to persuade you! Then starting tomorrow, you’ll be the head of my guards. Although you’re a guard, you’ll also have to do some odd jobs. By the way, I have a younger brother and grandmother. Remember to visit them and let them know what you look like. My grandmother has dementia, but I don’t think you will mind.”

After saying that, he told Di Fazeng to rest well and left in a cheerful mood.

Behind him, Di Fazeng was left standing: “…”

Do you really know my answer?!

…

Xiao Rong quickly returned to his room. As soon as he opened the door, he was surprised to see Qu Yunmie’s sitting there. The first thing he did was look for the teapot on the table. 

In front of Qu Yunmie was the teapot. When he saw Xiao Rong enter, Qu Yunmie silently picked it up, poured a full cup, and said, “Your throat must be dry. Here, drink some to soothe your throat.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He walked over, hesitated before drinking, and instead looked at him. “Did the King hear what I said to Di Fazeng?”

He tried to recall whether he had said anything bad about Qu Yunmie.

No, everything was good. He wouldn’t speak ill of Qu Yunmie’s in front of others.

Qu Yunmie’s calm demeanor made Xiao Rong unsure. After all, if he had praised him, he should have been showing some reaction.

Qu Yunmie answered calmly, “I didn’t hear anything. I just heard your voice when I entered, and you hadn’t come for a long time. I’m sure you said a lot.”

Only then did Xiao Rong relax and laugh. “Indeed, Di Fazeng is a bit stubborn.”

Qu Yunmie nodded. “Drink up and rest. I’ll handle the official duties.”

After that, he stood up and left. Xiao Rong was confused and asked, “Is there something the King needed?”

Qu Yunmie replied, “No, I just came to take a look.”

Xiao Rong remained puzzled, but Qu Yunmie’s had already left.

Once he stepped out of Xiao Rong’s courtyard, he kept his indifferent expression and returned to his own place. After closing the door, Qu Yunmie couldn’t help but exhale.

Standing still, looking at the view ahead, Qu Yunmie remained silent for a long time until an abrupt laugh rang out in the room.

This laugh seemed to trigger something, and was followed by a series of happy and joyful laughter. The laughter slipped through the door crack, and the two guards standing outside looked at each other with horror.

What’s happening? After killing so many people, the King has finally lost his mind?

…

Some are happy, some are worried. While some are celebrating, others are on the verge of breaking.

Zhang Biezhi couldn’t accept the bad news that Jian Qiao had brought him. “What do you mean someone got ahead of me? Who dares to take my official position?!”

Jian Qiao: “…”

He never expected that one day, even the position of the Head of the Guards would become so desirable.

He told Zhang Biezhi Di Fazeng’s name, and Zhang Biezhi paused, then began recalling why the name sounded so familiar.

After a moment, his angry voice rang out, “That Rouran person?! I hired him because he seemed extraordinary. He didn’t even have a family, and he was a loner. If I hadn’t been there, he’d never have had a chance to come to Chenliu. He didn’t even thank me and now he’s betraying me!”

No, he couldn’t take this humiliation.

He was going to find Xiao Rong and settle the score!!

 

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

Support translation: