Chapter Forty-Six: Consultation (VI)

The moon shone bright among sparse stars, bathing the land of Yunzhong in a gentle radiance. A vast array of tents belonging to the nine Tartar clans lay quietly in the night, only disturbed by the snorting of horses and the fluttering of banners atop the tents.

Those who had followed Xu Le waited outside Luo Dun’s tent, yawning incessantly. A few young heroes and retainers stood swaying, their eyes nearly closed. The journey had drained their energy and strength entirely, and after feasting on mutton and strong spirits, sleep weighed heavily upon them. That they persevered in waiting so long for Xu Le was proof enough of their admiration and loyalty.

Han Yue stood with his back to the iron shield of Shentu and his right arm fitted with the iron shield of Yuli, as immovable as a mountain in the night. He alone showed no sign of weariness. Apart from Xu Le, he was the most dependable guardian among their group. Even within Luo Dun’s stronghold, Han Yue remained vigilant, causing the men of Liang Hai’s tribe stationed outside to look displeased, though none dared approach or protest.

Han Yue’s reputation had risen after the battle earlier that day. With his great shield for defense and small shield for offense—unyielding in the face of spear formations, fierce and domineering in assault—he embodied the ideal bodyguard every commander dreamed of. He was a first-rate candidate for breaking enemy ranks as a foot soldier.

A few of the steppe men considered their options; if they provoked Han Yue and received a blow from his iron shield, their wives might not recognize them upon returning home, and Luo Dun would hardly stand up for them. So they chose to turn a blind eye.

Like Han Yue, Song Bao, though exhausted, tried to keep his back straight. Unconsciously, Song Bao felt a competitive urge toward Han Yue, though perhaps he himself was unaware of it.

The tent was layered with cowhide, its curtains thick. No sound from Luo Dun, Xu Le, and Lie Lie’s conversation within could be heard outside. Song Bao held on for a while, but the yawning of the young heroes beside him made him want to close his eyes. Finally, he slapped his younger brother’s head fiercely. “Useless! If you can’t even endure this, how will you ever stand out?”

Song Bao’s younger brother, eyes closed, was hardly roused by the blow and mumbled, “Wherever Xu Le charges, we follow. We’ve stirred up Yunzhong, and Liu Wuzhou couldn’t do much to us. We ate at Liang Hai’s tribe chief’s table... When the time comes, we just grit our teeth and push through. What’s wrong with sleeping a bit now?”

Song Bao grunted, tempted to give another slap, but upon reflection, found no fault in the words and refrained, instead moving beside Han Yue. “Old Han, how much longer do you think Xu Le will be delayed here?”

Han Yue glanced at Song Bao, his voice deep and muffled. “Are you anxious to enlist in Taiyuan? Go if you want. No one’s stopping you.”

Song Bao clenched his teeth. “We said we’d enlist in Taiyuan, but that was just seeking a way out. Everyone can see the world is about to change hands; we need to find our own path, right? We’ve followed Xu Le through life and death, witnessed his abilities, and even if we risk our lives for him, we don’t feel wronged... But shouldn’t the brothers know what Xu Le’s plans are? How far does he intend to go?”

Han Yue’s steady expression finally shifted; he blinked, unsure how to answer. After all, his family’s lives had been saved by Old Master Xu Gan, and growing up alongside Xu Le, trained by the old man, following Xu Le’s lead had become second nature. Song Bao, an outsider, needed a reason to follow Xu Le. Han Yue knew Xu Le had ambitions, and every ally counted. Song Bao had proven himself both on horseback and on foot. Yet, Han Yue had no idea how to explain why Song Bao should stay—should he say that if he fell out with Xu Le, his mother would kill him?

As Han Yue struggled with embarrassment, the sound of the curtain being lifted came, and everyone turned to see Xu Le stride out.

Under the starlight and moon, Xu Le, though exhausted and having braved many dangers, showed not a hint of fatigue. His brows arched sharply, his spirit undiminished, and the smile at his lips had not faded in the slightest. His elegance seemed innate.

Xu Le immediately noticed Han Yue and Song Bao standing together, Song Bao apparently pressing Han Yue for answers, while Han Yue appeared troubled.

Xu Le smiled and approached. Han Yue, relieved at Xu Le’s arrival, pointed at him, “If you have questions, ask Xu Le himself!”

The young heroes and retainers gathered round. Xu Le smiled and asked Song Bao, “Song Da-lang, what troubles you now?”

Song Bao swallowed and finally asked, “Xu Le, with your talents, how far do you intend to go? If it’s just for amusement, we can’t accompany you forever—we have our own futures to pursue. But if you have grand ambitions, then we’ll commit our lives to follow you! Even if you turn Yunzhong upside down, we’ll grit our teeth and follow!”

The young heroes and retainers stared at Xu Le without blinking. For the retainers, much like Han Yue, their loyalty was born from deep gratitude to Xu Gan, and following Xu Le was almost instinctual. But every young hero wanted an answer from Xu Le.

Lie Lie also emerged from the tent, looked at them from afar, but paid no heed, leading his followers away quickly. Only the night guards of Liang Hai’s tribe remained, watching from a distance, unconcerned with their conversation, merely wishing for the long night to end.

Xu Le looked up at the starry sky—vast and magnificent.

Beneath the Milky Way, Xu Le softly asked, “Da-lang, do you have parents?”

Song Bao paused, then answered, “My parents died poor and ill; my uncle raised me. I lived in another’s home, worse than a dog, but managed to learn a few skills, and eventually ventured into the world, earning the name Iron Flying Swallow.”

Xu Le’s smile faded a little, and he spoke quietly, “I don’t even know how my parents died. With my grandfather’s abilities—his age, his prowess along the Sanggan River valley, establishing the Xu family’s legacy, his connections with Liang Hai’s tribe chief—yet he never dared tell me the cause of my parents’ deaths... The matter involves unknown figures, and those responsible, I cannot fathom. It must be my grandfather’s lifelong regret. I want to uncover the truth...”

Xu Le’s voice grew softer. “Those so powerful that even my grandfather dared not provoke them—since I intend to challenge them, I must make myself doubly strong. The more dangerous the place, the more I must temper myself, build my reputation, and let the world know there is such a man as Xu Le... What better way than confronting the Turks? Our Liu Eagle Strike rose to fame with a victory over the Turks, making even Magistrate Wang hesitate to oppose him, and the Hengan Eagle Command turn to his service, did it not?”

Xu Le spoke to himself, and Song Bao and the others listened in awe. Xu Le turned to Song Bao, fixing his gaze. “With the Nine Clan Alliance, the Turks will not sit idly by. Luo Dun’s ties to my grandfather demand that I stay to assist him. If the Turks show themselves, I won’t let them escape. Even as a citizen of Mayi, eradicating the Turks and ensuring peace is my duty!”

In the night wind, Xu Le’s words rang like iron.

“In the future, there will be more trials and dangers, but since my grandfather let me set out, there’s no turning back—unless I die, I must always move onward. How far I’ll go, I cannot say. But upon reflection, there’s nothing in this world that truly frightens me... That’s it, Da-lang, are you satisfied?”

As he finished, Xu Le’s lips curled up, still showing his usual cheerful and charming demeanor, his eyes on Song Bao.

That was enough. Song Bao knew full well that even if he enlisted in Taiyuan, his humble origins would leave him at the very bottom of the ranks. To follow Xu Le was different—not only was Old Master Xu’s background mysterious, but with Xu Le’s current standing, he was sought after by noble families. By following Xu Le, Song Bao’s own prospects would rise.

As for Xu Le’s audacious nature, the trouble he caused was always substantial. But in such tumultuous times, the lives of humble folk were worth less than grass—wherever one gambled, it was a gamble nonetheless. If Xu Le wished to make his name in Yunzhong, Song Bao would follow and stake everything.

Song Bao bowed formally. “Then Song Da-lang will follow Xu Le everywhere, serving at your side! Whatever foe you face, just give the word, and we’ll charge forth!”

Xu Le was silent for a moment, then nodded. He stretched lazily. “Go and sleep! Tomorrow is the Nine Clan Alliance. Luo Dun doesn’t want me to attend, but I insist on joining the bustle. If nothing happens, so be it. If trouble arises, we’ll all have to lend our strength.”