Xiao Rong returned to his temporary residence. He placed the wooden box containing the Divine Herb on the table, then took out stationery and wrote a letter to Chenliu.

The good news had been sent back early in the morning, at full speed. By now, the fast horses had probably already crossed the Fen River. The letter he wrote contained more detailed information, including casualties, the collected spoils of war, and the handling of subsequent affairs.

The wealth of the Xianbei immediately enriched the Northern Army. Before, they had only been able to avoid worrying about food and clothing. Now, they stepped into the middle class.

Yes, only middle class, not wealthy. With this money, Xiao Rong no longer had to devote himself entirely to building Chenliu. The northern bank of the Han River, which they previously lacked the resources and energy to manage, could now be brought under control.

Money could make the impossible happen. Money could also make the fickle obedient. Once money and orders were issued together, the number of resisting officials would be far fewer.

As for corruption… corruption was like cockroaches, eternal and extremely resilient. Throughout history, many tried to eradicate it, but no one succeeded. Naturally, Xiao Rong wouldn’t make things difficult for himself. His goal wasn’t to eliminate all corrupt officials, but to suppress them as much as possible. Their ability to get things done was the most important thing. If an official only thought about embezzling, but couldn’t even accomplish any tasks they might as well say goodbye to their own head.

…

After finishing the letter, Xiao Rong packed it and handed it to the guard beside him.

The letter would go ahead first. The Xianbei wealth would remain here for a while. Once Shuofang was also captured, Qu Yunmie could spare troops to escort the treasures back to Chenliu.

The messenger left quickly. Xiao Rong then went back to the warehouse and looked over things. Jian Qiao’s troops were systematically loading the treasures onto carts. For this small courtyard alone, three thousand soldiers would be stationed to prevent anyone from getting ideas they shouldn’t.

As if on cue, Xiao Rong had just left the warehouse when he saw a familiar face.

He smiled at Xiao Rong, who blinked as if trying to recall who he was. When he remembered, his face lit up with delight. “Your Highness, Prince of Dongyang, long time no see!”

The man: “…”

Haven’t we seen each other every day these past few days?

For seven consecutive days you stared at the Northern King like a stone watching her husband. I was standing right behind you!

Obviously Xiao Rong didn’t remember, or perhaps he had never noticed him. He exchanged a few words with the stiff-faced man, then the man stated his purpose. “I heard Mr. Xiao was here, so I came to seek him.”

Xiao Rong waved. “Your Highness, you might not know, but I am no longer a commoner.”

The man: “…”

Didn’t you say last time you had no official post?

The Northern Army’s ranks changed so quickly. In just a few days, here was another change!

He took a breath, then asked with a radiant smile, “Oh? Where has Mr. Xiao been appointed now?”

Xiao Rong smiled. “I am barely competent, but I was promoted to the position of Minister of Education of the Northern State.”

The man: “…”

His thoughts suddenly grew complicated.

There had been a King in the North in the world for several years, but neither he nor anyone else had ever referred to the Northern King’s domain as the Northern State.

Others would call the man’s fief Dongyang, but that was different—Dongyang was a specific place. What did ‘Northern’ actually refer to?

Before Xiao Rong appeared, the Northern Army had been indifferent to this. After Xiao Rong appeared, he emphasized the Northern King’s legitimacy and compliance everywhere. Now, even Chenliu officials’ appointments were reported to the court by the King of the North, copied again by the court, stamped by the Emperor’s jade seal, and sent back to Chenliu.

The word ‘legitimacy’ had become increasingly blurred.

The man felt a bit disappointed. After all, his surname was He. The court’s decline had benefits and drawbacks for him, but the rise of the Northern King only brought harm. He hoped to become the savior of the court, but this vision seemed farther away after this great victory.

He put aside his slight resentment and continued to spar verbally with Xiao Rong. Currently weakened, with limited intelligence-gathering ability, he had no idea that Southern Yong had launched attacks on Yizhou and Ningzhou. He had assumed that they could continue to send troops under the Yong dynasty’s name and share some spoils.

Xiao Rong smiled while listening, but rolled his eyes inwardly.

The man had brought only two thousand men, with five hundred left behind to guard his rear. He himself wandered around the camp daily in armor, meeting this person for tea and playing chess with that one. He had a sword at his waist, but it had been drawn fewer times than Xiao Rong’s Chilong Sword, which Qu Yunmie maintained whenever he had time.

…

The man knew he couldn’t take much of the spoils or grain, so he came mostly for the reinforcements.

Two months of politicking couldn’t be wasted. Words alone couldn’t earn trust, he needed tangible benefits. Tens of thousands of old, weak, and disabled soldiers exchanged for real gold, silver, and top-quality grain—this was a fair deal.

These people had long forgotten their initial complaints. At the mention of spoils, they felt unlucky. After victory, their eyes were glued to the treasures.

He spoke at length, hinting and stating explicitly. Xiao Rong nodded. “The King of Dongyang is correct. All who traveled a thousand miles to aid the Northern Army are remembered by the King of the North and all the soldiers. Upon reflection, the reinforcements and the Northern Army are like family, as we are all Central Plains people, already one.”

The man looked moved. “Minister Xiao spoke rightly!”

Xiao Rong returned the expression. “Since we are family, there should be no distinction! What the Northern Army has, the reinforcements should also have! I have ordered that for the next two days, all Northern Army soldiers eat full meals three times a day, ensuring every soldier’s belly is round. This is the gratitude and reward from the King and this Minister to the soldiers!”

Hearing the first half, the man almost cried. The second half made tears catch in his eyes.

The man: “…”

All this, just for a few meals?

He didn’t care about the meals! He cared about the spoils, the treasures distributed to nobles and generals!

Ordinary soldiers naturally had no right to the Xianbei royal treasures. Previously, the rule was that entering the city meant pillage by households. Those spoils went to whoever grabbed them. Soldiers could only take civilian wealth.

The Northern Army had no such rule. Reinforcements trying to deliberately take treasures were cut down by the Northern Army.

They didn’t die, but were terrified. They had sensed a difference between themselves and the Northern Army, but now they realized it even more: The Northern Army never treated them as comrades.

This angered some reinforcements, but made others thoughtful. Strict orders meant fewer internal conflicts, and upright soldiers could seize more opportunities.

Some planned to secretly join the Northern Army after this, but their superiors didn’t care—they just wanted to see if they could claim any of the treasures.

The answer: Dream on.

…

To save more money for future construction, Xiao Rong set limits for what even Qu Yunmie could take. Other generals’ shares decreased according to merit. Gold was limited to a few thousand per person, silver a few tens of thousands. Any more than that, there was nothing. For silks and brocades, it was first checked if they had female family members, if not, they weren’t given and instead were sent to collect furs instead.

From receiving the ledgers, Xiao Rong calculated how much to distribute. Too much would pain him, too little would dishearten the troops. After meticulous calculation, he set precise amounts.

Calculating this alone made him anxious. With reinforcements asking during this time, it was like pulling feathers from a tiger’s mouth.

At first, Xiao Rong played Tai Chi with the man, giving no clear promises or deadlines, but today, the man was determined to get spoils. No matter what Xiao Rong said, he stayed.

Gradually, Xiao Rong lost patience.

…

Earlier, Qu Yunmie had left in anger to vent, then returned to find Xiao Rong.

Around the corner, before entering the courtyard, he heard faint sounds from inside. He didn’t catch Xiao Rong’s words, but he heard Xiao Rong’s laughter.

It was the kind of laugh full of charm, shifting through three tones, each enough to make the listener wish they could sink into the ground.

Qu Yunmie: “…”

He stopped instinctively. Moments later, a man stormed out in embarrassment and anger.

The man wouldn’t act this way in front of Xiao Rong but didn’t expect the King to be eavesdropping. Surprised, he awkwardly bowed to Qu Yunmie, then left quickly.

Qu Yunmie watched him leave and said to Dongfang Jin beside him, “Every time I see someone scolded by Xiao Rong, I feel very satisfied.”

Dongfang Jin looked in the same direction and agreed. “Me too.”

“…”

They both turned and Qu Yunmie entered the courtyard. Xiao Rong lifted his eyelids, saw him, and hid the aggressiveness in his eyes.

His voice still held some anger. “You Majesty, did you come for something?”

The King nodded. “I finished reviewing Murong Yi for you.”

Xiao Rong raised an eyebrow. “How did you review him?”

The King: “…”

After a moment of silence, he said, “Do not worry about it. Anyway, he will never see anyone again.”

Xiao Rong silently stared at him, trying to imagine what happened to Murong Yi, but soon decided not to think about it. “Who is he?”

The King answered briefly, “The Great Protector of the Qingfeng Sect, named Han Qing.”

Xiao Rong searched his memory but didn’t recognize the name.

Shaking his head, Xiao Rong said, “Never heard of him. Never mind, whoever he is, as long as the Qingfeng Sect is destroyed, he will also die.”

The King thought the same.

*

Although he’d never heard of Han Qing, Xiao Rong felt the name was somewhat familiar. Occasionally, he would recall the name and look puzzled.

That day, he remembered nothing about the name. After calculating accounts all day, he slept early and continued city affairs the next day, preparing for Qu Yunmie’s upcoming attack on Shuofang City.

Xiao Rong loosened his headwear and sat on the bed, reviewing the Xianbei records of Shuofang City. Capturing the capital meant everything and the Xianbei maps, population, and military statistics, were all here.

Records from two years ago said Shuofang had 120,000 defenders. Two years later, the number likely changed. To defend Shengle, the Xianbei royal family had pulled troops from all over. Shuofang was nearby, so they likely took the heaviest losses there.

The 120,000 might now be only thirty or forty thousand.

No wonder Qu Yunmie said 100,000 troops would suffice, and maybe even half that would work.

Thinking this, Xiao Rong smiled, but as he laughed, his expression froze.

Han Qing.

Han Liangru, Taoist name Ruqing.

Xiao Rong’s face changed instantly. He stood up abruptly, and the papers on his lap scattered to the floor. He stared ahead in shock, too stunned to pick them up.

Han Liangru was Han Qing?? Was it a coincidence or just him overthinking? Han Liangru… hadn’t he later followed Taoism, protected Buddhism, and suppressed the Qingfeng Sect?

The Qingfeng Sect’s disappearance was owed to Han Liangru. As Protector of the State Taoists, he forbade people from following Qingfeng. He executed many followers of Qingfeng and performed rites for their souls, claiming they were corrupted by the Sect but deserved release.

If the leader of Qingfeng was really him, it would be ironic. He was first the Great Protector of Qingfeng, then a Taoist State Protector. The first thing he did after switching sides was raise the executioner’s sword against his former sect.

Heavens.

Though shocked, Xiao Rong soon believed Han Qing and Han Liangru were the same person. Religion was Han Liangru’s specialty. Repeatedly leaving and re-entering the faith showed that he wasn’t zealously devoted. His appearances in history were all sudden, like when he arrived at He Tingzhi’s side, and immediately earned his trust, even with a mysterious past.

Talented individuals existed, but they were few in numbers. Even slightly lesser-known figures like Song Qianzhen had a documented youth. Han Liangru, a real founding Emperor, remained undocumented.

If history didn’t record his past, there was only one reason: He didn’t want it known.

Xiao Rong stood dazed, thoughts crashing like a tsunami. Han Liangru was more fearsome than Huang Yanjiong or He Tingzhi. He stayed in the shadows, manipulated people, and seemed to enjoy controlling others. Even in the twisted, chaotic Qingfeng Sect, he rose to the top.

What did this indicate?

It indicated he was even more twisted, more deranged.

…

Xiao Rong blinked much faster than usual. He swallowed and slowly sat down, then thought about what to do next.

Right, he had to write a letter!

*

Chenliu.

They had learned of the trouble in Yizhou and Ningzhou seven days ago. On the day they received the news, half of Yizhou had already been annexed. Two days later, a new military report arrived: Yizhou had fallen completely. Today another report came—Ningzhou had also been lost.

Song Shuo: “…”

He paced continuously in the council hall, and it seemed as if smoke was rising from his head.

“Useless!!!

“Two states lost in ten days! What were the local governors and inspectors doing?! So incompetent, they should have decisively committed suicide the day the city fell!”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

He looked over the detailed military report and read aloud, “The governor of Dangqu County abandoned the city with his family. The city gates of Jiangyang County were voluntarily opened by the locals.”

Song Shuo: “…”

He looked at Gao Xunzhi in disbelief. “Vo-lun-ta-ri-ly opened?”

Gao Xunzhi thought for a moment. “Earlier this year, Yizhou experienced unrest. The King sent people to suppress it, taking away criminals and prisoners of war. The native tribes of Yizhou had grievances against the King. Xiao Rong also mentioned this matter and said it needed careful governance, but there was never enough time, money, or energy. So only a few thousand troops were left to govern with the local officials.”

This form of governance was high-pressure. Anyone who caused trouble was arrested by the Northern Army. Although life seemed peaceful, the Northern Army dealt harshly with offenders, much like those they punished.

Under these circumstances, it was inevitable that the people’s loyalty could shift elsewhere.

Song Shuo remained silent, but his agitation didn’t decrease. He continued pacing. “No, if this continues, we will lose more than Yizhou and Ningzhou.”

Gao Xunzhi tried to comfort him. “The urgent reports have been sent. The King should’ve already made arrangements.”

Song Shuo bit his lip and said nothing.

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

This expression was all too familiar. After all, he had dealt with two stubborn men before.

He immediately stood up, eyes alert, looking at Song Shuo. “What are you trying to do?”

Song Shuo bit his lip, and a crimson streak appeared. “I want to take revenge on them!”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

Revenge? You’re a scholar, when did you pick up the Northern Army’s bad habits?!

Gao Xunzhi’s voice deepened. “The one hundred thousand troops of Chenliu mustn’t move! Our only task is to secure the rear. If we divide our forces, this invites our enemies to exploit the gap, and that would be a true crisis!”

Song Shuo opened his mouth to speak, but another voice spoke faster. “Our task is to secure the rear.”

Gao Xunzhi looked at Zhang Biezhi, unsure why he repeated it, but nodded firmly. “Exactly!”

Zhang Biezhi asked, “Then what is the mission for Jinling?”

Gao Xunzhi paused.

The Jinling troops were smaller in number, less than half of the Northern Army. They had sent tens of thousands to attack Yizhou. Jinling, naturally, also needed to preserve troops and supplies to defend against surprise attacks.

Gao Xunzhi and Song Shuo stared at Zhang Biezhi. He tilted his head in the same way Xiao Rong does. “Between the two sides, who do you think dares to act more boldly right now?”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

Being older, Gao Xunzhi reacted slower to unexpected situations. Song Shuo slowly clapped. “Well said! Jinling may be bold sometimes, but they are mostly timid. We cannot deploy troops, and they are even more cautious. Then I will send twenty thousand men to Ningzhou!”

Gao Xunzhi opened his mouth to speak, but someone spoke for him before he could.

Zhang Biezhi said, “Wait! Chancellor Gao is right. The King should’ve already made some arrangements. We can help or do something else.”

Song Shuo didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”

Zhang Biezhi grinned. “The same as you are thinking—revenge.”

At first, Song Shuo didn’t understand. Gradually, his expression changed, and he smiled. “Months ago, the King wanted to claim Badong and Jingling from the court. The court refused. Now we can help the King fulfill this wish.”

Zhang Biezhi hadn’t decided on a specific place yet, but after Song Shuo spoke, he thought it was a good idea. The two exchanged fox-like grins.

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

He grew angry. “Is war a game to you?! Badong and Jingling—do you know where they are and exactly how far they are from Chenliu?!”

Zhang Biezhi froze. 

Song Shuo frowned. “It’s not a game, Chancellor. You heard it yourself. Zhang is right. Jinling is being cautious right now. If we don’t act, we will miss the opportunity!”

Gao Xunzhi said, “I never said not to take it.”

Song Shuo: “???”

Then what do you mean?

With a serious face, Gao Xunzhi took a large map from a cabinet, and pointed to the source of the Han River. “From Jingzhou, to the west lies Jingling, the east is Yiyang. Yiyang is more prosperous. We can also enter Lujiang to the north. If we take this, we can attack Jinling later without traveling via the Han River, and just go straight through Yiyang.”

Song Shuo: “…”

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

Indeed, he is a member of the oldest Northern Army units.

Old wine is best.

The three muttered while planning when to mobilize. Of the hundred thousand troops, Song Shuo wanted to send twenty thousand. They had to capture Yiyang for the Northern Army’s prestige. Frankly, he thought twenty thousand was insufficient. Yiyang was a large city. Its governor had his own troops. Though Jinling could only watch, the city gates could close, and leave outsiders helpless.

As they discussed Yiyang, Di Fazeng suddenly entered. “Give me ten thousand men, I can take it.”

The room fell silent. Only Xiao Rong truly appreciated Di Fazeng and trusted him. Others worried about his background. For a few seconds, nobody spoke. Di Fazeng knew what they thought, but he stood firm.

Song Shuo calmly asked, “Ten thousand? What if you fail and they suffer heavy losses?”

Di Fazeng replied, “Then we will follow military law.”

Song Shuo: “…”

If the troops die, and you run, who do I punish?!

He didn’t want to agree, but Di Fazeng had protected them all this time. Song Shuo couldn’t speak sharply, so he hoped Di Fazeng would back down, but Di Fazeng even wanted to sign a military pledge.

Zhang Biezhi scrutinized Di Fazeng and skeptically asked, “You’re not bluffing? Only ten thousand to take a city?”

Di Fazeng said, “You wouldn’t understand anyway.”

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

Gao Xunzhi observed Di Fazeng, and realized he had a temper, although he had only shown this before to Zhang Biezhi.

Zhang Biezhi, slightly angered, stared at Di Fazeng. After a while, he turned to Song Shuo and demanded angrily, “Give him ten thousand! But I will go with him. I want to see how he takes Yiyang!”

He asked Gao Xunzhi, “I will be his superior right? I will supervise him.”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

Song Shuo looked at each of them, one more unreliable than the other. He wanted revenge on Southern Yong but not at the Northern Army’s expense.

During Song Shuo’s hesitation, Gao Xunzhi agreed. Di Fazeng clenched his fist. Zhang Biezhi got the supervision duty and seemed pleased. Before leaving, he already bragged to Di Fazeng.

The two left arguing. Song Shuo looked at Gao Xunzhi disapprovingly. “Chancellor, that was too rash!”

Gao Xunzhi glanced at him. “Why didn’t you stop me?”

Song Shuo: “…”

Part of him wanted to agree. He knew both men were unreliable but capable.

Gao Xunzhi smiled and changed the topic. “Zhang Biezhi has changed a lot. He sees things others cannot and learned to preserve others’ face. He doesn’t want to supervise Di Fazeng’s victory alone—he wants to see if Di Fazeng can be trusted. He is like the King. Though he dislikes Di Fazeng, he has now gained some respect for him.”

Song Shuo added, “So he is prepared to sever ties. He knows what matters most.”

Gao Xunzhi nodded. “Not just him, but Di Fazeng, you, and I—we’ve all changed somewhat. Ten days ago, I wouldn’t have risked Chenliu troops, but now, with the victory reports, perhaps we can take a risk.”

Song Shuo frowned. “If they fail or something happens…”

Gao Xunzhi said, “It’s fine.”

Song Shuo replied, “Fine? If Zhang Biezhi doesn’t return alive, it’s fine?”

Despite his concern, Song Shuo thought first of the slightly clumsy but good-hearted and unexpectedly considerate colleague.

Gao Xunzhi turned to him with an expression of a mix of helplessness and complexity, as if unsure how to explain.

“Yes, fine. Once someone is in the army, it’s half a step into a coffin. Do you know how many times I’ve sent the King on campaigns? Officers and soldiers—sometimes there isn’t much difference. Whether they survive or live up to my trust in them, eventually it’s all fine. Do your best, leave the rest to fate. If injured, recover and continue. Life brings many frustrations. You should be strict with yourself, but sometimes you must accept limits. Overthinking makes life harder; the world isn’t as heavy or complex as you imagine.”

Song Shuo looked at him, eyes uneasy.

Without challenges, he didn’t know this was his temperament.

Perhaps rising in rank was no longer simple. He thought he could handle everything easily, but responsibility weighed heavily.

He didn’t want to err, to break his perfect record, so he took everything seriously.

When Xiao Rong was around, the pressure rested on Xiao Rong’s shoulders. Now that Xiao Rong has left, Song Shuo has no support.

Which would embarrass him more, making mistakes or being unable to act independently?

He lowered his head and silently left.

Gao Xunzhi watched him leave and shook his head. Like Zhang Biezhi, Song Shuo would either understand quickly or never.

He returned to his seat and focused on the map, when someone ran in. “Chancellor Gao, there is a letter from Shengle! An urgent report from Mr. Xiao!”

Gao Xunzhi froze, then leapt from his chair. “From Rong?! Give it to me!”

He rarely worried about anyone, but Rong was special, with divine power and ties to the Daoist Lord. This one child was irreplaceable—he had to worry!

…

Xiao Rong hardly ever writes urgent reports. Gao Xunzhi’s heart raced as he tore it open, wondering what it contained. He quickly realized it had nothing to do with him or the King, and he relaxed.

After reading, Gao Xunzhi’s mind was full of question marks.

‘We must capture the Qingfeng Sect completely. Issue notices and letters far and wide that we offer a reward for the Great Protector of Qingfeng’?

Xiao Rong emphasized three times that the notice must state in the first sentence that the Great Protector’s name was Han Qing.

As for the portrait, he will ask Qu Yunmie to interrogate Murong Yi, to see if one could be drawn.

He didn’t believe Han Liangru would’ve changed his name and face completely.

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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