Qu Yunmie did not keep anything back. He shared the southern military reports with everyone present.

They were previously searching for where Huang Yanjing had gone, and at the time, most widely believed that he had gone to the Jiayang Commandery in Yizhou.

After all, Yizhou suffered many misfortunes. Things kept going wrong there, and the local people have already become numb to it. Moreover, Yizhou once even opened its city gates to Southern Yong forces on its own initiative. The people there were famously hostile to the Northern Army. It should have been the best place for Huang Yanjing to go.

Clearly, he did not run to Yizhou, which had changed hands three times, nor was he as desperate as they had imagined.

He led his troops secretly eastward along the Zangke River, moving directly toward Nankang with a clear objective. Along the way, he attacked Cangwu and Linhe. These two places were extremely remote. Although they were nominally still part of Southern Yong, they were actually controlled by local tribes. The tribes were fierce, but the southern tribes had already been broken apart a century earlier. Huang Yanjing moved like a plague of locusts—striking them, looting, and leaving without any attachment.

There was one more thing that needed clarification: Huang Yanjing has raised his banner claiming he commands one hundred thousand elite troops.

……

No one knows how much exaggeration there is in that claim. One thing, however, was universally acknowledged—Huang Yanjing definitely did not have that many soldiers.

If he truly had one hundred thousand troops, he would already be able to contend with Southern Yong. He would not have been forced to hide in Jianning until finally emerging now.

As for the Nankang King, he likely only had thirty to forty thousand troops, and that number was also inflated.

The two forces have joined hands now. One route moved toward Xiangdong, the homeland of Song Shuo, while the other attacked Luling, a fertile plain near the Gan River and only one step away from the heartland of Southern Yong.

People spoke all at once, each with differing opinions. However, there was one point no one could deny: even if these two forces combined were not enough to defeat a single army on their own, they could not be allowed to grow unchecked. War was fundamentally about seizing resources. If they were allowed to grow stronger, they would become far harder to deal with.

Once news came that grain supplies in Jinling had gone wrong, people’s thoughts had already become active. Since the enemy’s supply situation was already known to be weak, why not take advantage of it?

Even before Huang Yanjing’s whereabouts were known, restlessness had already spread. Not all scholars were conservative. On the contrary, those willing to gamble on the “rise with the new ruler” opportunity were mostly the most radical. In recent days, countless people have approached Gao Xunzhi, urging him to persuade Qu Yunmie to send more troops to search for Huang Yanjing. As for the Qingfeng Sect, they did not take it seriously at all.

After hearing this day after day, Gao Xunzhi began to be influenced as well.

Only Qu Yunmie’s restraint and Xiao Rong’s constant efforts to stop them kept the army from becoming unstable.

Now, it seemed they could no longer hold it back.

It was not only Xiao Rong, but almost every Northern soldier regarded Southern Yong as something already in their pocket. When something that seemed easily within reach suddenly had an obstacle appear, no one could accept it. The generals also requested permission from Qu Yunmie to lead troops personally to eliminate these forces.

Zhang Biezhi and Di Fazeng were due to arrive in Chenliu today, while Wang Xinyong was still on his way back. Fortunately, his route would not intersect with those two forces, but it still could not be guaranteed. They only hoped he would move faster and not be intercepted.

Yu Shaocheng was also due to arrive the next day, and the Northern Army would soon be fully assembled.

Qu Yunmie listened to everyone’s arguments, then looked toward Xiao Rong, who was hidden among the crowd.

When there were many people, Xiao Rong rarely stood out. Qu Yunmie had to search before he could find him among so many faces.

Xiao Rong was sitting off to the side, quietly biting his knuckles when no one was looking.

“…”

The person who disliked thinking the most said, “Let us set this matter aside for later discussion. This King needs more time to consider.”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

Since when did you develop such a good habit?

Some still wanted to persuade him further, but Qu Yunmie stood up decisively. In the blink of an eye, he had already walked out the door.

Everyone: “…”

Fine. No need to persuade anymore.

*

Shortly afterward, Xiao Rong returned to his room. As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw Ah Shu repeatedly making gestures at him. Xiao Rong immediately understood that another uninvited guest had arrived.

He smiled, waved Ah Shu off, and opened the door himself.

Qu Yunmie had taken off his cloak. Hearing the door open, he lifted his eyes.

The two of them met each other’s gaze and paused slightly, but neither said anything. Qu Yunmie continued tending to the charcoal fire, while Xiao Rong closed the door behind him.

Xiao Rong walked to the table and sat down. After a moment, he let out a soft sigh.

Qu Yunmie turned around at the sound and said, “Even an eighty-year-old man is not as good at sighing as you are.”

Xiao Rong glanced at him and replied flatly, “Isn’t that only natural? People who live to eighty are naturally more open-minded.”

“…”

Qu Yunmie put down the tongs, swept his robe aside, and sat down heavily across from him. “Then in order for you to live to eighty, you should also be more open-minded.”

Xiao Rong rested his head in his palm and muttered, “It’s already good enough if I can survive this year.”

Qu Yunmie’s expression immediately darkened. “Say that again?”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He inexplicably felt guilty and quickly changed the subject. “What are you going to do about Huang Yanjing and the Nankang King?”

Qu Yunmie looked at him, unwilling to let the previous topic go, but grinded his teeth slightly before answering honestly, “Send troops to attack them.”

Xiao Rong asked, “Who will you send?”

Qu Yunmie answered without hesitation, “Yu Shaocheng.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

Unfortunate. He hadn’t even returned home yet, and his new assignment was already decided.

After a pause, Xiao Rong asked, “You’re sending him alone to deal with those two forces?”

Qu Yunmie frowned slightly. “Do I need to send another general just for those two ragtag armies?”

Xiao Rong said, “No. What I mean is—don’t you feel like everything is happening in clusters lately? Our original goal was to hold back and recover strength until spring before launching an offensive, but now…”

Qu Yunmie finished his sentence: “But now we are being forced to act early and fight on two fronts.”

Xiao Rong nodded. “Yes.”

He did not want to be led around by Han Qing, but Han Qing always found ways to force them into action.

Even if Huang Yanjing and the Nankang King together didn’t total one hundred thousand troops, once an army moved, things became complicated. They needed supplies, equipment, and provisions—and reports from the front lines showed they were not lacking any of these.

He had a feeling Han Qing was waiting for Yu Shaocheng to arrive. They might not even retreat, but instead close the city gates and drag them into a war of attrition.

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Rong said, “Qu Yunmie–”

Before he could continue, Qu Yunmie interrupted him. “I know what you are going to say.”

Xiao Rong paused.

Qu Yunmie looked at him seriously. “A soldier blocks the water and the earth covers it. I know this is the Qingfeng Sect’s scheme, or Han Qing’s plan, but I cannot avoid war. North of Xiangdong lies Dongting Lake, and another hundred li northwest is Jingzhou, a strategic battleground. Southeast of Luling are Linchuan, Xinan, and Kuaiji—all major cities in Southern Yong’s heartland. Southern Yong is wealthy, and those cities are wealthy as well. After Jinling weakened, its control over these places has loosened. The Jinling regime would not seize grain and labor by destroying cities, but rebels would not hesitate. Now I command four hundred and fifty thousand troops. I would not plunder the Central Plains from its people, but if I were the weaker side, with a path to heaven ahead and certain death behind, I would not care whether I robbed Central Plains people or anyone else.”

Xiao Rong looked into Qu Yunmie’s eyes. After a long moment, he lowered his gaze and nodded vaguely. “I understand.”

Qu Yunmie said, “But you are still worried.”

Xiao Rong suddenly laughed. “There is no point hiding anything from you. This scene feels like one of my old nightmares. When a tree is taller than the forest, it will be destroyed by the wind. I once dreamed that when the whole world turned against you, what would happen? You are too strong, so others will unite against you.”

Qu Yunmie asked, “So you think I will lose?”

Xiao Rong raised his head.

The system was silent, as if it were dead. By Xiao Rong’s nature, he should believe this was nothing serious—but he could not.

After a long time, Xiao Rong spoke in a voice as small as a mosquito’s buzz. “I don’t think you will lose. I don’t want you to lose either, but so many people want to pull you down. I’m a little afraid.”

Qu Yunmie lifted his face slightly.

After a moment, he chuckled softly. “With that sentence, I will not lose.”

He placed his arms on the table and motioned Xiao Rong over with his hand.

When Xiao Rong did not move, he beckoned faster.

Xiao Rong: “…”

He still has the mood for this?

Despite rolling his eyes inwardly, Xiao Rong obediently placed his hand in his.

The moment they touched, Qu Yunmie gripped him tightly. Warmth and a faint sting spread through Xiao Rong’s hand. Then he heard Qu Yunmie’s extremely gentle voice by his ear, each word making his heart tremble.

“Do not be afraid.”

“If I raise you until eighty, I can die in peace. Otherwise, I will not be able to rest even in death.”

Qu Yunmie had rarely—no, never—spoken so gently before. Even when they were physically close, he had never been like this. Usually, he would become silent and awkward instead.

This kind of sincerity suited him more. It allowed him to express what he truly felt. He held Xiao Rong’s hand tightly, clearly waiting for a response.

Not just any response, but something definite.

At this point, he believed they had reached a stage where they could make promises and pledge themselves to each other.

People of this era were troublesome in this way. Once they gave their heart, they wanted permanence and eternity. They did not understand separation or replacement. Especially Qu Yunmie, who inherited that stubborn tradition. Once he chose someone, he never changed.

He had never said this outright, but he didn’t need to. Even guards who barely spoke to him knew he was not a frivolous or unfaithful man.

Qu Yunmie looked at Xiao Rong. He was not in a hurry. He could wait an entire day.

Yet very soon, he lowered his head in shock.

Because he felt it—Xiao Rong was pulling his hand away.

At first it was difficult, but once Qu Yunmie loosened his grip, Xiao Rong immediately freed himself.

Without any explanation, Xiao Rong placed both hands on his lap and stared at the edge of the table, clearly unwilling to speak.

Qu Yunmie froze for several seconds. His lips twitched as if he wanted to smile, to ease the awkwardness, but he could not.

……

Qu Yunmie left.

After a while, Xiao Rong suddenly stood up. He knelt by the bed again and pulled out the bundle hidden underneath. Passing over wigs, Han-style clothing, accessories, and other modern items he had brought with him, he reached the very bottom, where there was a stack of used xuan paper.

Kneeling for a while made him tired, so Xiao Rong turned and sat down on the carpet. He picked up the papers and read them one by one.

The first sheet recorded Qu Yunmie’s personality. Not a single nice word was written on it.

The second sheet was a revised version of Qu Yunmie’s personality notes, with edits and blacked-out sections, because he realized many of his impressions of Qu Yunmie had been prejudices.

The third sheet contained far less about Qu Yunmie, because by then they had become familiar with each other. Most of what was written was venting. Whenever he was unhappy and had nowhere to talk about it, he would write a few lines here. Most of it was scolding the system.

The fourth sheet was only half full, and it was also scolding the system.

After that, there was nothing more.

……

Staring at the blank half of the page for a while, Xiao Rong suddenly stood up. He walked to the desk, dipped his brush in ink, and wrote on the empty space.

“I want”

After hesitating for a moment, he pressed the brush down hard, and the two characters turned dark quickly.

Starting a new line, Xiao Rong wrote again.

“I want”

This time he hesitated even longer. In fact, there were only two characters after this, but they were two different ones with different strokes. One began with a dot, the other with a slanted stroke.

If he hesitated any longer, the ink would dry. Xiao Rong steadied himself and simply wrote both versions.

“I want to leave.”

“I want to stay.”

After writing, he even drew two small boxes beside them—the most common electronic selection buttons in the modern world. Xiao Rong had become so familiar with them that he could choose instantly at a glance, but after a year and a half in ancient times, he had grown unfamiliar with them.

……

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Ah Shu called from outside. “My Lord, Zhang Biezhi and the others have returned.”

Xiao Rong froze, then quickly straightened up. “Tell him to wait in the council hall for me!”

Ah Shu did not suspect anything and obediently agreed. Xiao Rong hurriedly packed everything away and stuffed it back under the bed. As for the sheet he was still struggling over, he casually tucked it into a ledger.

Qu Yunmie never looked through those things, so it was completely safe there.

……

Xiao Rong put on his clothes and went to find Zhang Biezhi. Ah Shu was a little curious to see whether Zhang Biezhi would get scolded again this time, so he happily followed along to watch the excitement.

The only one who could act freely in this courtyard was Ah Shu. Once he left, only the guards at the gate remained. They would stop irrelevant people, but they would not stop certain individuals—such as the King, or Song Shuo.

……

Song Shuo was still thinking about that question from Yu Shaoxie. He needed to personally get an answer from Xiao Rong. After entering, he found that Xiao Rong was not there. When he went out to ask, he learned that Xiao Rong had gone to see Zhang Biezhi.

Song Shuo curled his lips. Did he really need to go himself? He could just call him over.

Forget it. Since it was Zhang Biezhi, Xiao Rong would not stay long anyway. He would just wait here.

Song Shuo has always been someone who could not keep his hands to himself. He even dared to read Qu Yunmie’s private letters, let alone Xiao Rong’s belongings. He did not care about the contents, he just wanted to see what Xiao Rong has been busy with.

As he flipped through them, a sheet of paper fell out of the ledger.

Song Shuo gave a soft “eh” and picked it up. After reading it, he realized he could not understand it.

“…”

If it had been someone else, they would have frowned, but Song Shuo’s eyes lit up instead.

Encrypted?

Then I’ll crack it!

Switching between traditional and simplified script might have stumped Qu Yunmie, but it absolutely could not stump Song Shuo. In just a few breaths, he recognized it as Central Plains writing, just with fewer strokes.

He read it line by line with great interest, though most of it made no sense to him.

“Damn system is doomed? Huh?”

Completely confused, he continued reading, and as he did, his expression gradually flattened.

He stared at the lower half of the page for a long time. When footsteps sounded outside, he did not panic. Instead, he put the paper back into place and returned to where a guest should sit.

When Xiao Rong entered, he looked surprised for a moment. “Song Shuo?”

Song Shuo looked bored, and when he heard Xiao Rong’s voice, he lifted his eyelids and said, “Rong~~~~~”

Xiao Rong: “…”

You should just shut up.

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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