Chapter Seventy: Contest of Strength (Part Four)

Time moves a little further back.

When Yuan Junzhang and his party arrived at the gates of the Commandant’s office, the veteran gate guards—no matter how lazy they were, resting on their years of service—would always rise to salute him. Then they’d take the reins of his horse and welcome Yuan Junzhang inside.

But today, though the old soldiers did stand up, each moved as slowly as if afflicted by old wounds or haunted by weather-induced ailments. Yuan Junzhang waited atop his horse for several breaths, his face cold and stern, but the short distance had yet to be covered; the gate guards hadn’t managed halfway.

When Yuan Junzhang’s icy gaze swept over them, one even bent double in a fit of coughing, as if he might cough up his lungs the next instant.

At that, Yuan Junzhang was more amused than angry and finally spoke, turning to Xu Le with a smile: “Young Master Le, who would have thought your arrival would win over both the military and civilian hearts of our Heng’an Prefecture? Remarkable, truly remarkable!”

Xu Le, eyes crinkling with a smile, cupped his hands in reply: “I’m but a humble lad from Shenwu, unworthy of Chief Historian Yuan’s praise. Any reputation I have is thanks to Liu Yingji and Chief Historian Yuan’s support.”

Yuan Junzhang snorted: “Support you? My fourth brother ended up battered at your hands! You earned your fame by skill, and here in Mayi, that’s what matters most.”

Before Xu Le could reply with his usual cheerful banter, Yuan Junzhang gestured sharply: “Young Master Le, I’ve shown you courtesy, not confiscating your weapons. We’re about to meet Liu Yingji—shouldn’t you and your companions conduct yourselves with restraint?”

He was right. Though at first Yuan Junzhang’s guards kept their blades ready, later they simply accompanied the group, never confiscating Xu Le’s weapons. The silent wolf girl, Bu Li, never let her hands stray from her daggers, and the guards pretended not to notice.

There was pride among Heng’an’s Eagle Guard soldiers; they believed no matter how skilled Xu Le and his companions were, they couldn’t stir up trouble within Yunzhong City. But they had left face intact.

Xu Le smiled and cupped his hands to Yuan Junzhang: “Thank you, Chief Historian, for your consideration.”

At Xu Le’s subtle signal, Han Yue silently removed the two shields from his back and dropped them heavily to the ground, raising clouds of dust. Song Bao, unconcerned, threw down his spear as well. He had realized that, at worst, they’d be expelled from Yunzhong City, but their lives were safe. The more fiercely he acted now, the greater the reputation he’d gain in the future.

Bu Li looked around, clutching her daggers, unwilling to let go.

Xu Le rode closer and spoke gently: “Bu… Bu Li, would you put down your weapons? We’re going to see Liu Yingji and ask him to save Old Master Luo Dun. Liu Yingji commands thousands of Eagle Guards; even the Yuezhi fear him. It’s not proper to bring weapons when meeting him. If you prefer, you can wait outside.”

Bu Li blinked her large eyes, glanced at Xu Le’s handsome face, shook her head, her long hair rippling like black waves. With silent care, she unfastened her two daggers, slipped off her horse, and laid them on the ground with reverent precision. Xu Le noticed her stealthily pick up a stone and hide it in her palm. He coughed, deciding to pretend not to have seen.

Bu Li led the way, and everyone dismounted. The old soldiers finally shuffled up to Yuan Junzhang and listlessly took the reins.

Yuan Junzhang glared at them, but they paid him no mind. There was little point quarreling with veterans who had served Heng’an with distinction. Yuan Junzhang could only dismount with a grim face; the guards followed suit with heavy steps.

Yuan Junzhang gestured to Xu Le, inviting him forward: “Please.”

With this gesture, Yuan Junzhang—Chief Historian of Heng’an Prefecture—was treating Xu Le as an equal.

Even Song Bao, walking alongside Han Yue behind Xu Le, felt a surge of excitement. He had wandered the realm, honing his skills and risking his life for advancement. Wasn’t this the moment he’d longed for? To join the ranks of officials and one day bring honor to his family?

Following Xu Le now, perhaps that future was within reach!

In such chaotic times, a talent like Xu Le could not remain buried; wherever he went, he would shine. Even the proud Yuan Junzhang was forced to value this once obscure youth from Shenwu County.

Xu Le returned Yuan Junzhang’s gesture: “I dare not presume.”

At last, they reached the very heart of Yunzhong City’s governance, ready to interact with the powers of a great stronghold. Xu Le shed the sharp, heroic manner he wore in battle, adopting a gentle, cultured demeanor, his manners flawless—like a scion of a great family.

Yuan Junzhang's gaze flickered with surprise; he was convinced now. This youth from Shenwu must not be an ordinary rural lad with only martial talent—there was surely some secret behind him!

Yuan Junzhang said no more and took the lead, with the group following in single file.

As they entered the front courtyard, Liu Wuzhou—whom they’d met once before—was waiting, dressed immaculately, his beard neatly groomed, descending the steps to greet them.

Song Bao, walking beside Han Yue, felt his legs suddenly weaken. Han Yue, the taciturn one, seemed unaffected, but Song Bao, seasoned in the ways of the world, knew this was an extraordinary honor.

Since the end of the Jin Dynasty, the gulf between aristocrats and commoners, officials and civilians, had become unbridgeable. The two classes lived in separate worlds. For an official to greet a commoner—especially a young man just starting out—was almost unheard of, with only rare exceptions like Wang Meng.

Liu Wuzhou, though humble in origin and known for his closeness to the people, was now a Commandant of Jianwu under the Sui Dynasty, chief general of Heng'an's Eagle Guard, the master of Yunzhong City. For him to honor a commoner youth thus was beyond compare.

At this moment, Song Bao saw stars before his eyes, nearly unable to breathe. Even the pain of his shoulder wound seemed to vanish.

Xu Le, however, showed not a trace of hesitation. His stride changed to short, quick steps; he advanced, cupped his hands, and bowed: “I am but a humble lad from Shenwu. How can I be worthy of the Commandant descending the steps to meet me? I am here to accept your judgment—please pronounce my fate.”

Liu Wuzhou and Yuan Junzhang exchanged a glance; Yuan Junzhang shook his head slightly. Xu Le performed the etiquette of a junior meeting his elders flawlessly, leaving no room for criticism. Liu Wuzhou, seasoned in the Sui court and even an attendant to the Emperor, could not match Xu Le’s poised and graceful salute.

Just what family did this youth come from?

With the same thoughts as Yuan Junzhang, Liu Wuzhou warmly helped Xu Le up: “I guard Mayi and am a senior from our homeland. What harm in welcoming such a talented junior? Today’s events were due to misunderstandings and hardship—let’s set them aside for now. You all have had a tough day; come rest and have some refreshment. Here, you can speak freely—whatever it is, I’ll help you bear it!”

As he helped Xu Le up, Liu Wuzhou’s gaze swept over the three behind him. He frowned: “Both of these fine men are wounded… Attendants, take them to be bandaged. Use the best medicines—don’t skimp! I may be poor, but I can afford this much!”

In an instant, Liu Wuzhou had seen to everyone. Song Bao’s shoulder wound was severe, and he’d been holding out by sheer will. Now, hearing Liu Wuzhou mention bandaging, he could barely stand. He bowed: “Thank you, Commandant Liu!”

Han Yue hesitated, but Xu Le signaled him that it was all right. Han Yue then bowed, his voice gruff: “Thank you, Commandant Liu.”

Several guards led Han Yue and Song Bao away; Bu Li hid behind Xu Le, clutching his robe tightly, refusing to let go.

A guard tried to lead Bu Li away but failed. Liu Wuzhou smiled kindly at her: “She’s a young Tartar from the steppe, isn’t she? No matter, let her stay… Is she from the Liang Hait special tribe?”

As he spoke, Liu Wuzhou led Xu Le and his companions toward the inner courtyard, naturally taking control of the atmosphere. Xu Le followed with a gentle smile, Bu Li trailing behind him like a little shadow.

In the inner study, Liu Wuzhou and Yuan Junzhang sat in the main seats; Xu Le took a side seat, Bu Li standing close behind him. The guards brought drinks and withdrew to keep watch.

Liu Wuzhou said nothing, simply inviting Xu Le to drink. Xu Le was patient, sipping with a smile, seeming even more composed than Liu Wuzhou.

In truth, no matter how talented Xu Le was, such composure came not from himself, but from strictly following his grandfather’s teachings.

When dealing with others, in this world, never let anyone find fault with your manners—the aristocrats had too many petty rules. And always let others speak first; then you speak. That way, you’ll always be held in higher regard.

Xu Le, the diligent student, faithfully followed his grandfather’s guidance, prompting Liu Wuzhou and Yuan Junzhang to exchange another glance. The meaning was clear.

Just who taught this young man?

If Xu Le had opened with complaints and pleas for help, Liu Wuzhou could have played the elder, first reproaching Xu Le for his errors, then promising to protect him. Xu Le would have had to acquiesce, staying obedient for days, and any further mishap would be his fault, making it easy to punish him.

But now, with Xu Le silent, would Liu Wuzhou have to accuse him first? If the youth refused to comply, who knows what trouble might arise? Liu Wuzhou would be seen as bullying a junior from his own homeland.

How to make him speak first?

As the bowl of drink neared its end and silence reigned, the atmosphere grew awkward. Just then, footsteps thudded outside, and Yuchi Gong burst in headlong.

Xu Le finally spoke: “Brother Jingde, we meet again.”

Liu Wuzhou and Yuan Junzhang both brightened. Yuchi Gong was usually a troublemaker, often a nuisance—but now, his arrival was most welcome!

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Outside Yunzhong City, atop a low hill. Several riders stood, gazing at the setting sun and the now quiet camp of the thousand-strong Yuezhi tribe.

The leading rider, silent for a long time, finally spoke: “Let’s go. We must make this journey.”

This man, in his thirties, bore the marks of hardship, his face hidden beneath a hood. If Liu Wuzhou were present, he would have recognized him despite the disguise.

He was none other than Zhang Wansui, the trusted aide of Wang Rengong, a general from Yanmen Commandery.