Chapter 115: The Rising Wind (Part Twelve)

On the northern bank of the Sanggan River, within a stretch of rolling hills, stood the imposing Mount Tíngbīng, rising prominently above its surroundings.

Legend has it that Gao Huan journeyed southward from here into Hedong, where he suddenly fell ill with a violent fever, halting his troops on this spot. His army of over a hundred thousand Northern Qi soldiers set up altars and black sable pelts to perform rituals of exorcism, hence the mountain’s name.

But this was merely a distorted tale. In reality, the Northern Zhou and Northern Qi armies, heavily stationed in Hedong and Guanzhong, clashed fiercely in a series of brutal and brilliant battles marking the end of the Southern and Northern Dynasties—battles unrelated to the territory of Mayi Commandery.

Though Mount Tíngbīng stood tall and steep among the gentle hills, it was but a giant among dwarfs, an isolated peak with no connecting mountain ranges. Surrounding it were only gentle undulations, with plentiful but not dense woodland—enough open space for cavalry to maneuver. The hundred or so well-armed Mayi Elite Cavalry, known for their mobility and combat prowess, could easily encircle the mountain, sealing it off completely.

Yet the mountain itself was rugged and steep, its terrain fractured and complex, riddled with hiding spots and numerous caves. The dense foliage was sufficient to conceal bodies. Sending cavalry up the mountain to search was far from wise.

The sun had already slipped below the western horizon, plunging the world into sudden darkness. Night winds stirred, making the trees sway with a roar.

The chill of the autumn night, coupled with the sudden mountain breeze, cut deep into the bone.

A few dozen from the Xu family enclave had escaped and dismounted in a hollow on Mount Tíngbīng to rest, all gasping for breath and wearing faces etched with terror.

After crossing the northern bank of the Sanggan River, the Mayi Elite Cavalry pursued relentlessly. These warriors were fierce and swift, each astride a fine steed, armed with lethal bows and blades. It was clear they were no ordinary local troops but the seasoned Mayi Elite Cavalry personally commanded by Wang Rengong, the protector of Shanyang.

By nightfall, familiar with the terrain, the fugitives had just managed to reach Mount Tíngbīng. Observing the mountain’s complex topography and the encroaching darkness, the Mayi scouts grudgingly withdrew, awaiting reinforcements to encircle the mountain.

However, two villagers had already been struck by stray arrows. They were brought up with great difficulty and now lay sheltered from the wind, emitting agonized cries. Several villagers tried to hold them down to pull out the arrowheads embedded in their flesh.

The screams drained the color from everyone’s faces. All eyes turned toward Xu Gan, who was helped down from his horse by Han Xiaoliu and Madam Han. They looked to the old patriarch, hoping he might conjure some means to save them from their dire plight.

Yet, even in such peril, the villagers’ hearts remained united; no one entertained the thought of fleeing. The deep-rooted loyalty to their lord was ingrained beyond measure.

These villagers rode inferior horses and wielded sturdy bows—training that Xu Gan had imparted, though only superficially. Yet, they were simple farmers forced to scratch survival from the earth. Facing the trained, battle-hardened Mayi Elite Cavalry, their morale barely flickered.

Leaning against a rock, Xu Gan sat silently, his gaze coldly fixed on the scene below.

Around the hills encircling Mount Tíngbīng, clusters of campfires flickered, faint silhouettes of the Mayi cavalry visible. The hundred or so cavalrymen had spread out, sealing the mountain’s perimeter with an unbreakable blockade. Any attempt to break through would be met by a swift converging assault, annihilating every last member of the Xu enclave.

Mayi Elite Cavalry? Merely insignificant chickens compared to his former Black Armored Cavalry—his once invincible troops who, with a single charge, could obliterate such foes. In the entire Mayi Commandery, only the Heng’an Elite Cavalry had ever caught his eye.

But the Black Armored Cavalry had long since vanished.

The gallant young officer from that unit, the son he had devoted his life to nurturing, had perished long ago, sealed within the Eastern Palace of the Sui Crown Prince, having taken his own life behind closed doors.

Han Xiaoliu approached, carrying a blanket, while Madam Han brought a bundle of dry provisions to Xu Gan’s side.

Madam Han whispered, “Grandfather, please eat something.”

Han Xiaoliu draped the blanket over Xu Gan’s shoulders and declared loudly, “Grandfather, when the night deepens, we’ll escort you out! With our bows, we can carve a path through!”

Xu Gan glanced coldly at Han Xiaoliu’s youthful face. “You still have a long way to go.”

Undeterred, Han Xiaoliu shouted, “I refuse to believe these Mayi soldiers are invincible!”

Xu Gan scoffed, “Who said they’re invincible? Even you, under my command, with a single seasoned warrior leading the charge, could defeat them!”

Excited, Han Xiaoliu leapt up and down, “We’ll follow your orders, Grandfather, and take down these Mayi troops!”

A shadow crossed Xu Gan’s face, and he shook his head slowly. “A’Le isn’t here… my guards aren’t here… my seven protectors aren’t here… all gone, vanished like smoke…”

The old man leaned against the rock, his white beard fluttering in the fierce mountain wind. His eyes seemed to pierce distant time and space, beholding vivid faces forever etched in his heart.

I have grown old. I am weary. My family, friends, and followers have been worn down to nearly nothing. I might as well die here. As long as A’Le remains safe, that is enough.

Suddenly, the agonized screams intensified—some villagers trying to pull out arrows whose barbed heads tore into flesh, causing cries like slaughtered pigs.

Xu Gan suddenly bellowed, “A true man, when he dies, dies silently. How can you wail and moan with your head severed?”

His roar stunned everyone into silence; even the wounded’s cries softened.

Straightening his back, Xu Gan commanded loudly, “Break the arrow shafts, snap them in two, then pull out! When going into battle, wear a layer of silk close to the skin. When struck, pull the silk, and the arrow will come free!”

His shout steadied the villagers’ nerves. Some pulled arrows, others ate the provisions, but all kept glancing toward the campfires below the mountain, their eyes still filled with despair.

By one of the fires below, Shi Chaozhi sat armored and confused, crouching beside the flames. His men brought him warmed food, which he refused, staring intently at the dark silhouette of Mount Tíngbīng.

Chen Fengpo approached, flattering, “General, the enemy is surrounded here; the Xu family cannot escape. This lonely mountain has no food or water—they’ll starve out soon. In a few days, we’ll bind them one by one… Since you plan to linger, I’ll return to Shenwu to hasten the delivery of provisions and tents. We can’t have them just drinking the wind here.”

Chen Fengpo was a tactful man. Since the Xu enclave was beyond saving, now was the time to curry favor with Shi Chaozhi and complete his task earnestly. His promise to bring supplies was sincere, hoping to gain some credit before the Prefect Wang.

Shi Chaozhi looked back at the smiling Chen Fengpo and sneered, “Who said we intend to linger here?”

Chen Fengpo’s eyes widened.

Shi Chaozhi continued coldly, “A few peasants think Mount Tíngbīng can hold off the Mayi cavalry? Once they’ve drunk the midnight chill, we’ll move in. The sooner we wipe them out, the sooner we can report back. Who wants to waste time here?”

As Shi Chaozhi spoke, the mountain wind rose, shaking the forest with a mournful howl, causing Chen Fengpo to shudder. He glanced at Mount Tíngbīng and smiled bitterly in his heart.

Old man, I can only blame your ill fate…

Within the mountain hollow, Xu Gan leaned against a rock, statuesque. Only his white hair fluttered wildly in the fierce wind.

My guards are dead; I am half dead. Tonight, the remaining half reaches its end.

A’Le, your grandfather can wait no longer.