Chapter 169: Leaving the Camp
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Chu Zhao and Xiao Jue were talking outside, while He Yan was inside the house, eager to eavesdrop. However, even with her ears pressed against the door, all she could hear was the sound of the wind outside. She had planned to wait for Xiao Jue to finish and then ask him what exactly was going on. However, after waiting for a long time, Xiao Jue did not return to the room. Unconsciously, she fell asleep, and when she woke up the next day, Chu Zhao and Ying Xiang were already gone from Liangzhou Garrison.
They had left early in the morning, accompanied by guards.
After Chu Zhao left, Lin Shuanghe was actually the happiest. He Yan didn’t quite understand why, considering there hadn’t been any unpleasant incidents between Lin Shuanghe and Chu Zhao. But seeing Lin Shuanghe’s joy, it seemed he genuinely celebrated Chu Zhao’s departure.
Xiao Jue, on the other hand, no longer spoke in a sarcastic manner as he did in the past few days. He Yan felt a sigh of relief. Chu Zhao’s early departure might be a good thing for the others.
Liangzhou Garrison returned to calmness, with daily training continuing as usual. However, He Yan knew that this calmness wouldn’t last long. As Chu Zhao had mentioned, changes were already happening, and the appearance of the Wutuo people would bring shock to Great Wei.
One day, He Yan was following the Nanfu Army in archery and horsemanship training. It was already mid-May, and summer had arrived in Liangzhou Garrison earlier than in other places, with a scorching heat enveloping everyone. Due to the longer daylight hours, both the Nanfu Army and Liangzhou troops had doubled their training time.
After dismounting from the horse, He Yan was soaked from head to toe, as if pulled out of the water. She picked up a handkerchief to wipe away the sweat. This was the last round, and Tian Lang nodded slightly while looking at He Yan. Among the new recruits from Liangzhou Garrison, those who could keep up with the Nanfu Army’s pace, and even had some proficiency in archery and horsemanship, were considered quite good.
The training ground for Liangzhou Garrison had already dispersed, and Hong Shan and others who were waiting to eat were gathered nearby, watching. He Yan tied her horse, returned the bow and arrows, and then walked briskly towards them.
Xiao Mai’s eyes were shining as he stared at her. “Brother Ah He, how did your archery become more accurate? I saw it clearly just now; every shot hit the bullseye.”
In just over a year, Xiao Mai had grown much taller. He Yan used to be able to reach his shoulder by standing on tiptoe, but now she had to look up slightly. She smiled, “You’ve improved a lot too.”
“What’s the point of complimenting each other?” Wang Ba poured cold water on them. “Can you make flowers bloom with your praise?”
Everyone knew his temper and didn’t bother with him, walking towards the dining area. After reaching there, they received steamed buns and vegetable porridge. Finding a place to sit down casually, He Yan lowered her head to take a sip of porridge. Jiang Jiao said, “Do you guys know about Rundu?”
“Rundu?” Before He Yan could speak, Huang Xiong spoke first, “When I was chasing my enemies back then, I passed by Rundu. It’s a small city, known for producing grapes that are like purple jade, sweet and large.”
“Really?” Xiao Mai licked his lips, “Is Rundu far away? I’ve only eaten sour wild grapes and never tasted sweet ones!”
Huang Xiong thought for a moment, “About a month’s journey from here.”
He Yan asked, “Why did Brother Jiang bring up Rundu?”
Jiang Jiao sighed, “Today, when I went to find Instructor Shen, I wanted him to send a letter back to the capital for me, requesting a new long spear. When I went in, I happened to overhear Instructor Shen and Instructor Ma talking.”
Everyone looked at Jiang Jiao, waiting for him to finish the rest of the story.
“It turns out that during the previous battle at Huayuan, the Wutuo people split into two groups. One attacked Huayuan, and the other went to attack Rundu, not far from Huayuan. Huayuan, with its larger population and Flying Phoenix General defending, managed to withstand the attack, although with heavy losses. But the situation in Rundu is not good. It was already a small city with a limited number of troops, and if there’s no external aid, it’s only a matter of time before the city gate falls.”
“Is it that serious?” Hong Shan was surprised.
They were in Liangzhou, almost the remotest place in Great Wei, with no access to any information. Could the situation outside have deteriorated to such an extent?
“What should we do?” Xiao Mai, being young, spoke urgently, “We can’t just leave the lives of the people in the city unattended.”
“Huayuan is close to Rundu. If the Wutuo people retreat from Huayuan, Flying Phoenix General can lead the remaining Fuyue troops to support Rundu,” Shitou said seriously. “Rundu is unlikely to fall.”
“That’s good,” Hong Shan sighed in relief. “With Flying Phoenix General and the Fuyue troops, Rundu will be saved.”
As they spoke, Jiang Jiao looked at He Yan and asked, “Brother He, why aren’t you saying anything?”
At some point, He Yan had lowered her head and remained silent. She hadn’t touched the food in front of her, lost in thought. When asked, she lifted her head, and her eyes were surprisingly bright, as if a fire was burning within, startling everyone.
“… Are you okay?” Wang Ba waved to her skeptically.
Taking a deep breath, He Yan replied, “I’m fine.”
She asked Jiang Jiao, “Do you know the specific situation in Rundu now?”
Jiang Jiao shook his head. “I only heard half of it before Instructor Shen noticed me. Instructor Shen didn’t want to tell me the details, probably afraid that the morale of Liangzhou Garrison would be unstable.” He sighed again. “But I just don’t understand. We came to such a distant place, worked hard every day in training, all to defend the country when external enemies invade. Now, the people of Great Wei are suffering, and we’re still training as usual. Isn’t this turning a blind eye to the reality? What’s the meaning of being a soldier?”
The young men already had a fire burning within them. Faced with such a situation where the enemy was at their doorstep, they couldn’t help but want to do something about it. To make them pretend not to know like a turtle hiding its head was difficult.
“You’re wrong,” Hong Shan said. “If we’re not needed, it means the situation isn’t that bad, and the Wutuo people haven’t become too arrogant. If we’re needed, it means things have escalated to an irreparable point, and the people of Great Wei will suffer even more. Isn’t that worse? ” Jiang Jiao thought about it and found Hong Shan’s words made sense, so he didn’t say anything more.
Xiao Mai asked, “Brother Ah He, do you think Flying Phoenix General will win after supporting Rundu?”
“Why even ask?” Wang Ba replied without hesitation. “With 150,000 Fuyue troops, I heard that they lost less than 50,000 in the previous battle at Huayuan. Even if there are nearly 100,000 left, Rundu is just a small city. There shouldn’t be many Wutuo people attacking the palace in Rundu. Adding the troops inside the city, even a fool could win. Flying Phoenix General managed to defend Huayuan; there’s no reason he can’t defend this small city. I think you all worry too much about others. Instead of worrying about others, why not worry about ourselves? When will we be able to have meat in our meals!”
His words were always unpleasant to hear, and everyone ignored him. Xiao Mai then looked at He Yan again. “Brother Ah He, do you also think Flying Phoenix General will win?”
He Yan lowered her head to look at the porridge in her bowl. The porridge was thin, clear enough to reflect her face like a mirror. She slowly spoke with a calm voice, “I think he won’t support Rundu.”
…
After having dinner with Hong Shan and the others, He Yan did not talk to them as usual. She just said that she was tired from today’s training and wanted to go back to rest early.
On the way back, He Yan had been thinking about what Jiang Jiao said earlier.
Wutuo people attacking Rundu? In fact, just looking at the distance between Huayuan and Rundu, it was only natural for He Rufei to go and support. Everyone thought so. Because of this, when He Yan said that He Rufei wouldn’t support Rundu, even Xiao Mai, who was usually the most fooled, refused to believe it.
“Why? Flying Phoenix General has already won a battle, and Huayuan can’t be defended anymore. He can’t just watch and do nothing, right? Flying Phoenix General is definitely not someone who would stand idly by!”
He Yan, upon hearing this, didn’t know whether to be happy or sad. She was happy because her efforts over the years were recognized by others. Being the commanding general, she had performed her duties well. However, she was sad because others would attribute many impressions of her to He Rufei. Not being vigilant against He Rufei had given that person countless opportunities.
He Rufei would definitely not go to support Rundu because the Commander of Rundu, Li Kuang, had worked with Flying Phoenix General for some time. Li Kuang knew the “Flying Phoenix General,” and He Rufei, this impersonator, would reveal his true identity as soon as he had contact with Li Kuang. He Rufei was well aware of this, so he would find ways to delay. Perhaps he would wait until Li Kuang’s death and Rundu’s fall before making an appearance.
To avoid exposing his identity and sacrificing the lives of the people in the city, He Rufei was capable of doing such a thing.
She had briefly stayed in Rundu years ago, and at that time, the city was harassed not by the Wutuo nation but by the Western Qiang people. She had fought in Rundu and formed bonds with the people there. Now, hearing news about Rundu, both publicly and privately, she couldn’t remain indifferent.
The room was right in front of her. Looking through the window, she saw light coming from Xiao Jue’s room. He Yan walked to his door, hesitated for a moment, and knocked lightly.
“Come in.”
He Yan pushed the door open, and Fei Nu stood on the side. Xiao Jue held a letter in his hand, and after He Yan came in, he put the letter down. The door closed behind her, and He Yan walked over, saying, “Commander.”
He took a glance at He Yan and saw her worried look. He asked, “What’s the matter?”
“…Commander, have you already known about the situation in Rundu?”
Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. “Your information is quite accurate.”
“It was overheard accidentally while Instructor Shen was talking to someone,” He Yan stepped forward. “Commander, could Rundu be breached by the Wutuo people?”
Xiao Jue curled his lips. “No, He Rufei is in Huayuan. The distance between Huayuan and Rundu is only three or four days.”
He looked very relieved.
He Yan gritted her teeth. “Then, what if Flying Phoenix General refuses to support Rundu? Or if something happens on the way?”
As soon as these words were spoken, Xiao Jue looked at her. His expression was calm, but his gaze was sharp, as if he wanted to see through her. He said, “Do you think so?”
He Yan knew that he was suspicious, but the lives of tens of thousands of people in Rundu couldn’t be sacrificed just like that. She casually said, “I have never seen Flying Phoenix General. Although everyone says he’s powerful, it’s just talk. He led 150,000 Fuyue troops and suffered tens of thousands of casualties in the recent battle against the Wutuo people. He barely won. It’s not as impressive as the prestige we had in Jiyang City. Maybe he’s not very capable… just a coward. When he hears about Rundu’s situation, he might back down at the last minute and refuse to go, like a turtle hiding in its shell!”
She was scolding He Rufei, and He Yan felt no burden. Hearing this, Fei Nu couldn’t help but twitch his face and said, “No, during the chaos in the Western Qiang, Flying Phoenix General supported various places. He also garrisoned Rundu. He has a history with the Chief of Rundu. As long as Rundu seeks his help, Flying Phoenix General cannot possibly stand by and do nothing.”
He Yan thought, it was precisely because Li Kuang and she were acquainted that Rundu faced such a catastrophe!
However, this statement couldn’t be told to others. He Yan felt both anxious and angry, never expecting that her good reputation over the past years had spread so far. Now, trying to tarnish it was not something anyone would believe.
Xiao Jue looked at her thoughtfully. “What are you planning?”
Was he seeking her opinion? He Yan considered her tone carefully. “Commander, we have been training in Liangzhou Garrison for over a year. Combining the forces of Liangzhou Garrison and Nanfu Soldiers, the total is not insignificant. Leaving aside the Nanfu Soldiers, the new recruits of Liangzhou Garrison have long been eager to experience a real battlefield. Why not take this opportunity to train them? How about going to support Rundu?”
She stared at Xiao Jue with hopeful eyes, hoping that he would agree to her request, although the hope was particularly slim.
Sure enough, when Xiao Jue heard this, he sneered. “It takes over a month to travel from Liangzhou Garrison to Rundu, but only three or four days from Huayuan to Rundu. Without even considering support from Huayuan, sending troops from Liangzhou Garrison to support, He Yan, have you lost your mind?”
He Yan also knew that normal people would think like this. Choosing a distant location over a closer one, Li Kuang probably wouldn’t even dare to entertain such a thought. But she still wanted to fight for the people of Rundu. He Yan insisted, “Commander, please reconsider. Rundu is just a small city, whether it’s the Western Qiang people or the Wutuo people, why do they both want to fight for this place? Once Rundu is captured, the neighboring Jinling will suffer. Heading north, the Wutuo people are aiming for the capital.”
“Rundu must not be lost!”
Her tone was stubborn, and Fei Nu couldn’t help but say, “Young Master He, we all know that Rundu must not be lost. But even if the young master wants to go to Rundu, he has to seek permission from His Majesty. With one trip there and another back, it has already been two months. I’m afraid the battle in Rundu has long since ended. Moreover, if Flying Phoenix General refuses to support, the possibility of this happening is too small. You don’t need to worry.”
In their eyes, He Yan’s actions were really unfounded worries.
Xiao Jue said, “The Nanfu Soldiers have their position, and your idea stops here. There is no need to mention it again in the future.”
He directly refused.
He Yan sighed in her heart. Fei Nu’s words also made sense. Xu Xiang was watching closely in the court, and Xiao Jue came to Liangzhou Garrison to avoid his sharpness, biding his time. Now, if they acted rashly, it would inevitably lead to tongues wagging. This matter really couldn’t involve Xiao Jue. But what about the people of Rundu?
Feeling somewhat low-spirited, He Yan said, “I understand.” She bid farewell to Xiao Jue and returned to her own room.
After He Yan left, Xiao Jue looked at the flickering candlelight in the oil lamp and said, “He Yan doesn’t seem right.”
Fei Nu asked, “Does the young master suspect her?”
Xiao Jue shook his head, then said after a moment, “Go and check for any recent changes in Rundu.”
…
After coming back from Xiao Jue’s room, He Yan, feeling heavy-hearted, washed herself and laid down on the bed. The lamp had been extinguished, and the moonlight outside shone in. It fell on the ground in front of the window, like a layer of white frost, making the summer night appear cold and lonely.
The last time she went to Rundu was several years ago. At that time, she wasn’t Flying Phoenix General but a deputy general, accompanying the Fuyue army to resist the Western Qiang people. Rundu was a small city, and the Western Qiang people were killing people outside the city, hanging heads on the flagpole, displaying their might.
The Fuyue army, full of resentment, fought fiercely with the Western Qiang people even though they were not in a numerical advantage. After the intense battle, she received the wound on her shoulder. She couldn’t pull out the arrow during the fight, and after the battle, she removed it herself, nearly fainting from the pain.
On the second day, Li Kuang’s concubine came over, bringing a large basket of sparkling grapes, smiling at He Yan, “Rundu doesn’t have anything good. These are the best grapes. Deputy He, enjoy them slowly.” Behind her, there were people from Rundu, one holding a chicken, another clutching two eggs, all expressing their gratitude.
Not long after that battle, she was promoted.
For every place she had fought and shed blood, He Yan had deep feelings. She knew very well that He Rufei would not support Rundu, and Li Kuang guarding the city was just waiting for death. Without support, the people in the city would eventually perish under the Wutuo people’s knives.
She couldn’t let this happen. If the Nanfu Soldiers and Liangzhou Garrison recruits couldn’t move, even if she had to go alone, she would go to Rundu. The military force in Rundu, with a desperate fight, might have a slim chance of survival.
But how could she go to Rundu? If she escaped privately now… if she were caught later, it would be neglecting military orders, a crime punishable by death. If He Rufei’s true identity were revealed, and she died now, she would have nothing in the future. That would be fine, but if her death could exchange for the lives of tens of thousands of people, it would be worth it. However, she was a Nanfu soldier. If someone used this to threaten Xiao Jue, thinking it was Xiao Jue’s order, what would happen to Xiao Jue?
But she couldn’t just watch tens of thousands of people in Rundu die.
It was a dilemma. While contemplating, He Yan’s fingers touched a cold object under the pillow. Subconsciously, she looked at it in the moonlight and found a delicate seal. It was engraved with the small characters “Wuan.”
Wuan Lang’s seal. When the imperial edict arrived in Liangzhou, it was handed to her along with the official robe. But this position didn’t have much actual power, and He Yan didn’t pay much attention to it. She casually put it under the pillow. However, now that she suddenly saw it, a flash of inspiration hit her. She sat up suddenly, holding the seal in her palm.
Right, she was not only a soldier of the Nanfu but also personally appointed Wuan Lang by the emperor. What Chu Zhao said was correct. She was under Xiao Jue’s command, but she was not Xiao Jue’s soldier. If she went to Rundu with the seal, she could say it was her own will, and Xiao Jue wouldn’t know. Even if it were investigated later, it wouldn’t implicate Xiao Jue.
As for herself…
Rundu, in a way, was in this situation partly because of her. She once defended Rundu with the Fuyue army, and she believed she could defend it again.
She had to go to Rundu by herself.
…
Having made up her mind in the middle of the night, He Yan was no longer as conflicted on the second day. Since returning to Liangzhou Garrison, she hadn’t missed a day of training, and her physical skills were not a concern. Under the pretext of training in archery and riding, she went to the stables to check the horses that had been picked out a few times, remembering the one she liked the most, planning to take it when she left.
As for other things like hidden weapons, whips, and medicines, she had some left in her room before and packed them all. The most important thing was that there were people in the camp who knew the way. Pretending to be very interested in Rundu, apart from the training time, she spent the rest of her time talking to people who had been to Rundu. She asked about the route from Liangzhou Garrison to Rundu, possible detours. Although Huang Xiong had also been there, he didn’t know the way, so she had to give up.
Xiao Mai asked, “Brother Ah He, do you want to go to Rundu to eat grapes? Why are you suddenly so concerned about Rundu?”
Shitou looked at He Yan talking to people with a thoughtful expression, lowering his head.
In two days, a complete map from Liangzhou Garrison to Rundu was drawn. He Yan spread the map on the table and, following the shortcuts on the map, planned to travel day and night. Perhaps in less than a month, she could reach Rundu. But… could Li Kuang really hold on for a month?
Thinking too much wouldn’t help. The urgent matter was to set out now. He Yan tied the bag on her back, and before leaving, she looked at the two things on the bottom layer of the wooden box. Both were brought from Jiyang. One was the dough figurine that Xiao Jue bought for her during the Water God Festival. Now the dough had shrunk and was carefully wrapped in a handkerchief. The other was the wooden carving painting that Mu Yi gave her. On it, the female star general stood with a whip, majestic.
Looking at it, He Yan smiled, shook her head, put away the things, and put them back in the wooden box. She couldn’t take these things with her. If left here, they would probably be discarded like the things in this room.
Everything was ready. When she was about to leave, He Yan looked back at the middle door. The middle door was tightly closed, the night was deep, and Xiao Jue had already gone to bed. Her silent departure this time, heading to the dangerous battlefield of Rundu, was difficult to grasp whether she could see Xiao Jue alive next time. But even if she survived, she didn’t know what the scene would be like when they met again.
“Goodbye.” She silently said in her heart and turned to gently push open the door in front of her.
Outside, the night was deep, and everything was in deep darkness. The moon was covered by dark clouds, and only scattered starlight shone on the distant mountains and forests. He Yan stood still for a moment. In an instant, she seemed to return to many years ago, the scene when she packed her bags for the first time and left home from the He family. At that time, just like now, she didn’t know what the future held, whether it would be joy or sorrow, and she walked forward with big steps.
But now was different from many years ago. She was no longer confused, no longer at a loss. She knew the direction she was heading, confident in every decision she made.
Like this, she walked forward without regrets.
— Side note —
Yan Yan: Going to work on my career, watch me shining alone. [Fighting]
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Eh? Is she really getting a solo arc? Yikes, that’s exciting, but I really can’t imagine how Xiao Jue would forgive her for disappearing with no explanation. She also won’t be able to explain properly even if she gets a chance in the future…