Chapter 258: Righteousness
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Emperor Zhaokang eventually approved Marquis Wuan, He Yan, to lead the old troops of Flying Phoenix General and go to Jiuchuan to resist the enemy.
Although there was much discussion in the court, it gradually settled down. One reason was due to the influence of the Xiao family, which made people hesitant to speak out. Another reason was that even if He Yan did not go, there were few capable people in the court. It seemed better to let the Marquis, who had fought against the Wutuo people before, lead the troops.
Yan He led the Yan family troops to Jijun, Xiao Jue led the Nanfu troops deep into Yunzi, and the slightly older General Huwei led the troops along with the guards of Liangzhou to a better situation in Bingjiang. He Yan led the Fuyue army to Jiuchuan.
The four of them, except for General Huwei who was slightly older, were quite young. Especially He Yan, Emperor Zhaokang dared to entrust them with military power, not for the sake of gambling but to cultivate his own confidants. Especially for He Yan, if used properly, she might be the next “Flying Phoenix General.”
After receiving the military orders, they were about to leave the capital. He Yan, along with Emperor Zhaokang’s approval, asked Wang Ba and others who had followed her from Liangzhou to cooperate with her during the night raid on the enemy camp to join the Fuyue army, and Emperor Zhaokang agreed.
After everything settled down, there were only two days left in Shuojing.
The spring thunder was rolling, and it was about to reach the Jingzhe*. The willows had already sprouted new green buds, hiding by the river, dyeing the river with a touch of green.
* Mar 6th-20th
In the noodle shop opened by Mr. Sun in the east of the city, a girl in a blue cloth skirt was scooping out the noodles from the iron pot. She was not very old, and her appearance could only be considered delicate. She was a bit shy when someone spoke to her and was a quiet and reserved girl.
Two young men walked in, and the younger one smiled and said, “Two bowls of plain noodles.” After that, he handed over a few coins.
Xun Xiaolan hurriedly wiped her hands with a handkerchief, took the money, and said, “Guests, please go inside and sit, it will be ready soon.”
Xiao Mai nodded and winked at his big brother, but was given a warning glare by Shitou.
The two found a table inside and sat down. Xiao Mai asked Shitou, “Big brother, we’re going to war soon, and this time it’s not going to Liangzhou Garrison, it’s going to be real with those Wutuo people. Since you like Little Lan, why didn’t you tell her before we leave?”
Shitou did not speak.
“If you don’t say it, what if Mr. Sun marries her off while we are away? What should we do?” Xiao Mai looked at his big brother, “We have been in Liangzhou for so long. Why are you so indecisive now?”
Shitou shook his head and whispered, “This trip to Jiuchuan, we might not come back alive. Why give people hope for no reason and delay her?”
He looked at the busy girl, and a rare smile appeared on his lips. “If I have the chance to come back alive, I will tell her my feelings…”
Xiao Mai glanced at Sun Xiaolan, then at Shitou. After a moment, he sighed resignedly and said, “Well, big brother, whatever you say.”
The food was quickly served, and Sun Xiaolan said with a smile, “Enjoy your meal, gentlemen.” Then she left quickly.
Shitou looked at the food for a long time before finally taking his gaze away.
The rain began to fall gradually, washing the bluestone slabs in front of the shop to a clean and bright surface. The girl in the noodle shop went to pick up the empty bowls. When she reached the table, she saw a pot of peach blossoms still placed in front of the two empty noodle bowls.
This pot of peach blossoms bloomed early, and some of them had not yet fully opened, with light and deep, faint crimson, like red snow in spring. She was stunned for a moment, images of the quiet and handsome young man who spoke little came to her mind. After a while, her cheeks turned slightly red, and she carefully picked up the pot of peach blossoms and placed it inside.
…
The mountain is still the same mountain, but the bandit’s lair seems much more dilapidated.
A scar-faced man climbed the last earthen mound, staring blankly at the dilapidated bandit’s lair.
At the entrance, a child leading a cow looked at him, froze upon recognizing him, and shouted, “The big boss is back!”
Being surrounded and entering the stronghold, everyone was calling out “Boss,” making Wang Ba feel like he had returned to a different world. After staying in Liangzhou Garrison for a long time, he learned to obey and act as a soldier. Being surrounded like this, loved and respected, felt quite uncomfortable.
He cleared his throat and said, “I came back today just to say that in a day, I’ll be heading to Jiuchuan to fight against the Wutuo people! By the way, I came to see how you all are doing.”
Someone stepped forward flatteringly, saying, “After the boss left, not many people came to this hill on ordinary days, and the harvest was not good. So, we started farming. We also raise silkworms, although it’s not as good as when we were bandits, but it’s stable. The second boss said that when summer comes, we will dig a pond in the mountains to raise fish. In the future, we won’t have to worry about what we eat and use.”
Wang Ba felt gratified, but within that gratification, there was a hint of bitterness. He smiled ironically, “It seems you all are doing quite well without me.”
The second boss walked over; he was a scholarly person who had fallen on hard times and became a bandit. Although Wang Ba initially hoped he could offer some good ideas, he eventually gave up and let him stay in the stronghold to teach children reading and writing.
The second boss said, “The boss initially saw that the soldiers were hunting bandits, and it was unsafe to continue robbing, so he joined the military in Liangzhou Garrison. But these past two years have been chaotic, and everyone is having a hard time. Now, being self-sufficient like this is already quite good. If the boss is going to fight the Wutuo people, without the boss working hard outside, how can we have good days? The brothers all miss you. If you want to come back someday, you are still our leader.”
Wang Ba felt more at ease, scoffed, and said, “I’ll consider you guys have a conscience!”
He took out several silver ingots from the bundle he carried and laid them out.
“This is…” someone asked cautiously.
“I earned merits in the barracks, and they rewarded me!” He waved indifferently, “I live and eat in the military camp now. It’s useless to keep them. Take it, buy whatever you want. Don’t say the boss didn’t take care of your life and death!”
“This…” The second boss hesitated for a moment, “This is earned with your life. We dare not accept it.”
“Just take it when I tell you to take it! Why so much nonsense!” Wang Ba glared, “Dare to talk back, huh?”
The crowd looked at each other, not daring to argue. The children rushed over, shouting, “Boss is amazing! Boss is the best!”
Wang Ba was squeezed until only his head was visible, frustrated, “Don’t step on me, get off!”
The crowd looked at the lively scene, all lowering their heads, laughing softly.
…
Inside the dilapidated thatched house, there was a rare large pot of stewed lamb on the table.
The eleven or twelve-year-old boy was at the age when he could eat. His mouth was full of oil, and his cheeks were bulging.
Hong Shan said, “Eat slowly, no one is competing with you.”
“Older Brother,” the little boy raised his head, mumbled, “next time you come back, we’ll eat stewed lamb!”
Hong Shan laughed, “Good.”
The old woman beside him disagreed and shook her head, “You always indulge him. What if he becomes spoiled?”
“Ah Cheng is so well-behaved, how could he be spoiled?” Hong Shan smiled and touched his younger brother’s head, somewhat sighing. “Ah Cheng has grown much taller since I left. In a few more years, he will be able to stand alone.”
In their family, there was only a pair of brothers and their old mother. The Xiao Mai brothers were of similar age, while his younger brother was only twelve now. Hong Shan, who had no particular skills in his life, unexpectedly managed to enter Liangzhou Garrison and get to know some powerful brothers. However, he was willing to place all his hopes on his younger brother, hoping he could bring glory to their ancestors.
“Ah Cheng,” he looked at the cheerful little boy eating lamb leg, “when I first arrived at the barracks, the first time I saw Marquis Wuan, she was thinner than you. But later, in Liangzhou Garrison, she stood out on her own.”
“Is she really that amazing? More amazing than Brother?” Ah Cheng asked curiously.
Hong Shan smiled, “She’s much more formidable than me,” he looked at the young boy in front of him, “She can eat like you. So, Ah Cheng, you have to work hard in my absence. Maybe in the future, you can become someone like Marquis Wuan.”
“Marquis Wuan is a woman, I am a man. How can I become Marquis Wuan?” the young boy protested, “If I want to become someone, I want to be like General Fengyun!”
Hong Shan and the woman exchanged glances and then both lowered their heads, chuckling.
“Alright, alright, being General Fengyun is fine too,” Hong Shan laughed, “After I leave, you must focus on studying, practice martial arts diligently, and don’t make Mother angry, understand?”
“I understand,” Ah Cheng patted his chest and assured, “Brother, you can rest assured. I will take good care of Mother!”
“Ah Shan,” the old woman looked at Hong Shan with a gentle yet worried expression, “The battlefield is dangerous, be careful.”
Hong Shan pushed the bowl of soup towards the old woman, “Don’t worry, Mother. I will take care of myself.”
…
In the capital’s martial arts school.
Jiang Guanzhang was sparring with his son, Jiang Jiao.
Both were using long spears. Jiang Guanzhang, a master of the spear in his prime, had reached a level of extraordinary skill. Now, his son, Jiang Jiao, had surpassed him. Just like his name suggests, the long spear was like a dragon emerging from the sea—both beautiful and fierce.
With a horizontal strike, the spear tip had reached Jiang Guanzhang’s neck. The red tassel trembled slightly, and cheers erupted from the surrounding crowd.
“Well done! Young Master is amazing!”
“Master Jiang lost, can’t refuse to accept old age!”
Defeated by his own son, Jiang Guanzhang not only didn’t get angry but instead revealed a proud expression. Looking at the upright young man in front of him, he felt immense satisfaction in his heart.
When Jiang Jiao’s fiancée committed suicide with someone else, he instantly became the subject of ridicule, falling into a slump. Locking himself in his room every day, he refused to see anyone, regardless of the advice from friends and family.
Jiang Guanzhang had only one son, and he was both angry and heartbroken, helpless.
At that time, Liangzhou Garrison was recruiting new soldiers. Thinking of toughening up his son’s will, he forced Jiang Jiao to join the army.
Unexpectedly, in just two years, Jiang Jiao had undergone a complete transformation. No longer was he the desolate figure of the past. His spear skills had also improved. If there was something Jiang Guanzhang could be grateful for in this life, it was tearing the enlistment document from Liangzhou Garrison and throwing this stinky son into the military camp.
He pretended to be reserved, saying, “Your spear skills are quite refined.”
Jiang Jiao smiled, “It’s thanks to a friend’s guidance.”
His spear skills were actually guided by He Yan. Thinking about it, he felt a bit emotional. He Yan’s spear skills were far superior to his, and if he wanted to catch up with her, he needed a lot of effort.
Jiang Guanzhang walked into the house and brought out a long stick wrapped in red cloth from the inner room.
“This is…”
“For you,” Jiang Guanzhang said, “Take a look.”
Jiang Jiao opened the package and uncovered a silver long spear. This spear was more beautiful and sharp than the one he brought to Liangzhou Garrison before.
“You’re going to Jiuchuan this time, and your original long spear may not be suitable. In our martial arts school, we never lack good weapons. This long spear complements your current spear technique.”
Jiang Jiao casually swung the long spear in his hand a few times, feeling quite satisfied. He immediately said happily, “Thank you, Dad!”
“Since you’ve taken the good spear from the martial arts school, don’t disgrace the reputation of our Jiang family!” The head of the Jiang family said sternly, after a moment of silence, he added, “Of course, you must also protect yourself. Remember, come back alive!”
Jiang Jiao chuckled, slinging the spear behind him, and said cheerfully, “Of course.”
…
A light rain drizzled down as the tavern leaned against the river. An old man in a straw raincoat was fishing by the riverbank. A sturdy man, resembling a black bear, held a large blade, fiddled with the Buddhist beads on his chest, and gazed at the tavern in front of him with an unusually gentle expression.
This used to be his home.
Back then, on a spring day like this, their house was near the river, and this season yielded many fish. Brothers threw the fish into bamboo baskets, and the girls removed the scales, cleaned them up, and grilled them to perfection. His parents were still alive at that time, and the courtyard was lively every day. Carefree days seemed endless, and he felt like he would never grow up.
In the blink of an eye, many years had passed, and everything had changed. The former family members were no longer there, and the once nostalgic courtyard had turned into a tavern.
Now, he was alone, not even having anyone to say goodbye to before leaving.
The woman running the tavern warmly invited, “Big brother, do you want a bowl of apricot blossom wine?”
Huang Xiong turned his head, after a while, nodded, and said, “Bring three bowls.”
“Alright.” The woman answered with a smiling nod.
He placed the blade on the table, waiting for the woman to bring three bowls of clear and sweet wine. The wine was not exquisite, but it reminded him of the osmanthus wine his mother used to make.
Huang Xiong raised his head, and outside the window, raindrops fell one by one, creating small pits on the ground. As he watched, he suddenly shook his head and smiled.
In reality, it was nothing.
Now, sitting here felt like being in his former home. The care of this woman could be considered as his mother’s admonition, and the sound of rain outside was like the noise of younger siblings. And this blade…
It was a close friend accompanying him on the journey.
The robust man raised his head, drank the three bowls of wine in one go, put the silver coins on the table, and got up to leave.
Only the falling rain under the eaves continued steadily and quietly.
…
In the Lin family in the capital, the atmosphere today was unusually solemn.
Madam Lin wiped her tears with a handkerchief, looking at the person in front of her, sobbing, “My son, why do you have to go to Jijun? Do you know that place is in constant turmoil? You don’t know martial arts. If you encounter the Wutuo people, what will you do… I only have you, my son. If something happens to you, what will I do?”
“Enough,” Old Master Lin, Lin Mu, frowned and said, “Crying like this, what kind of appearance is it? If the servants see it, what will happen?”
Madam Lin persisted, pointing at Lin Mu, “You useless thing, go and tell the emperor to let He Er come back. If you don’t, go in his place! You’ve lived so many years, and my son is still young. If anything happens to him, wu… he’s so delicate, how can he go to the battlefield…”
Lin Shuanghe: “…”
For the first time, he discovered that when his mother cried, her tears were so abundant.
“Mother, I asked for this myself, I wanted to go. Don’t blame Father.” Lin Shuanghe said, “This is a great time to make achievements. The Lin family can’t just focus on treating women. If I succeed, the Lin family will be famous in Great Wei.”
“Who cares,” Madam Lin scolded, “Our family is not short of money!”
Lin Shuanghe, for the first time, felt helpless towards a woman and looked towards his Father.
Lin Mu frowned slightly and asked, “Have you really thought it through? That is a battlefield.”
“Dad, I’ve been to the battlefield before. When I was in Jiyang, I encountered Wutuo people, and I was fine. You’re worrying too much. I’ve always been lucky. Nothing will happen.”
“But…” Madam Lin wanted to say more, but a voice behind them interrupted, “Shuanghe, come with me.”
It was Lin Qingtan.
Lin Shuanghe finally found a chance to escape, saying, “Grandfather is calling me,” and quickly followed Lin Qingtan.
When they reached the study, Lin Qingtan turned around, looked into Lin Shuanghe’s eyes, and asked, “Are you determined to go to Jijun? Is it for the plague?”
Lin Shuanghe was startled for a moment, then smiled and said, “Grandfather is indeed wise.”
Wutuo people were indiscriminately killing in Jijun, and there were reports of a plague outbreak. Lin Shuanghe volunteered to go there, primarily to control the epidemic.
“Have you really thought it through? The battlefield is not like the capital; it’s a place where you can lose your life at any moment.” Lin Qingtan said. The whole city knew that the Lin family’s younger son was talented, but the situation was ridiculous, and he couldn’t achieve anything significant. Perhaps, even Lin Shuanghe’s Father, Lin Mu, thought so. The expectations of the Lin family for this younger generation were just that he would not cause any major trouble throughout his life and live peacefully. That would be enough.
“Grandfather.” The usually playful young man showed a serious expression for the first time. “If it were a time of peace and prosperity, I would specialize in women’s medicine without any criticism. However, in urgent times of war, the Lin family should not be afraid of death, and fleeing from the battlefield is not worthy of practicing medicine.”
“This trip to Jijun is not just about treating the people infected with the plague. Soldiers wounded in battle are also in need of medical treatment.”
“Although the battlefield is dangerous, you have also taught me that a doctor must have a compassionate heart for the living and no selfishness. I am a young master of the Lin family, but first and foremost, I am a physician.”
Lin Qingtan looked at Lin Shuanghe, his eyes flashing. After a long time, this restrained old man showed a satisfied smile for the first time.
“A physician practices benevolence. You already have a heart of compassion; that’s good.”
“Go to Jijun then,” he said. “Doctor Lin, that will be your battlefield.”
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