Chapter 13

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Returning from the border to Yingdu, Li Gouling was greatly startled by the haggard, sunken-eyed, and utterly despondent appearance of the young lord, Wei Liuyi.

Li Gouling: "You, you…"

"Liuyi, it’s only been a few days! How have you lost so much weight?"

Yingdu in Wuhengzhou Prefecture was once the ancient capital of Daxia a hundred years ago. Now, its city walls stood weathered and archaic, etched with the marks of time and wind erosion.

Wei Liuyi sat on the city wall with his head bowed, hugging his knees in silence, lost in thought. The wind stirred his jet-black hair.

Feeling both heartache and frustration at his lack of resolve, Li Gouling sat beside him. "Look at you. What kind of state is this?"

"Liuyi, we’ve grown up together. Don’t blame me for bringing up the past, even if it’s hard to hear. Back then, when Ye Jintang said he wanted to use Mu Han’s marrow blood, how many times did I advise you no, you mustn’t? Do you remember?"

Wei Liuyi’s face turned pale.

Li Gouling’s words echoed faintly in his ears, stabbing like needles, causing a sharp, unbearable headache. He shook his head, unable to bear it, and raised his hands to cover his ears.

Li Gouling forcibly pulled them away.

"No, you have to listen. Do you remember what you promised me before setting off? As the proud Marquis of Wuheng, either you don’t go to Lozhou and suffer humiliation, or if you do, you must do everything to bring back Doctor Mu!"

"If he asks for soldiers and supplies, you give them to him!"

"Give him everything, exhaust all resources for him! Great achievements don’t fuss over trifles. What’s there to be reluctant about?!"

"…"

"No, it’s not reluctance."

After a moment, Wei Liuyi murmured, "I want to give. As long as everything could return to the way it was, as long as Ahan could come back to me. I would even abandon everything, give him all I have."

"But those supplies were earned through the people’s hard work day and night. As the prefect of this province, I cannot just give them away without authorization…"

Li Gouling was nearly driven mad with frustration. "You! Since Mu Han promised to repay double, you’re not even distrustful of him. Just tightening belts a little now will ensure double returns next year, easing people’s burdens—benefiting the people without any harm!"

"Moreover, Mu Han agreed that if we provide 800,000 dan of grain, Lozhou would share half of the Xixi iron mine with us."

"The Xixi iron mine is just across the river from Wuheng. Honestly, I’ve been envious for years. Now, from today, we can send people to mine it, with convenient river transport straight to Yingdu."

"And if this northern campaign succeeds, Lozhou will push further to Yizhou to seek revenge. Since Yizhou is a rebel state, the Southern Yue Kingdom will also provide strong support. In that case, we might not even use all 800,000 dan of supplies Wuheng sends, and yet we could share the lands taken from Yizhou. This is a win-win situation nobody could beg for. Are you out of your mind to refuse?"

She rattled off all the pros and cons with clarity.

But Wei Liuyi’s face turned even paler, as if pierced by some sharp pain, his teeth clenched tightly.

After a long moment, he hoarsely said, "You think… I care?"

Li Gouling was about to choke from anger. "Wuheng usually doesn’t expand, fine, but you just won’t accept the cities handed to you?"

Wei Liuyi said nothing.

He closed his eyes, recalling that kiss tinged with faint blood scent—

Countless doubts, contradictions, hidden resentments, and madness—all vanished at that instant of contact.

The body in his arms was warm and alive. His Ahan was still alive, and just a moment’s touch brought peace to his heart. It seemed that these months, as if buried with him in cold underground darkness, had been unearthed and touched by sunlight, slowly warming again.

At that time, he truly didn’t care about anything.

Wuheng didn’t matter anymore; nothing mattered, as long as he could wander the world hand in hand with him.

But after that brief warmth, the one who once loved him wholeheartedly refused to love him back.

…

Two days later, the first batch of supplies arrived at Anmu by Wuheng’s land and water vessels.

Shu Jinjin exclaimed, "Wow!"

After more than ten days of preparations, Lozhou’s forces had united from top to bottom, repairing defenses and working together to assemble a well-equipped regular army of 100,000 troops, ready to march.

The only worry had been insufficient supplies, now resolved by the Lord of Yuehua City, boosting morale across Lozhou.

Alongside the supply ships came the scarlet-clad General A Ling herself.

Shu Jinjin was happy to see her, but less so upon noticing the young lord of Wuheng by her side.

Under the sunlight, Li Gouling, radiant in red, saluted brightly:

"Lord of Yuehua City, A Ling has long admired your military achievements and has brought her brave cavalry to assist in battle, hoping to observe your tactics closely. Now that Lozhou and Wuheng have allied like family, we hope you will accept our aid!"

She spoke straightforwardly and spiritedly, but the Marquis of Wuheng beside her looked weary and silent.

Li Gouling gave him a slight pinch. "A few days ago, our young lord had some misunderstandings in Lozhou and spoke carelessly, causing offense. These past days he has been remorseful. Please, Lord of Yuehua, seeing how tirelessly he’s transported supplies and how much weight he’s lost…"

"Liuyi," she lowered her voice, "say something!"

"…"

Wei Liuyi lowered his gaze and remained silent. It was Mu Guanghan who spoke first.

His words were gentle and polite, expressing gratitude for the Marquis’s generous loan of supplies, smiling sincerely as if to an old friend, holding no grudges.

That day, beneath a clear sky, sunlight struck his profile.

Wei Liuyi looked dazed, hearing Li Gouling’s words ring in his ears—

Young lord, with 800,000 dan of supplies, you could use the escort as an excuse to meet Mu Han more often.

Treat him well, lose less temper, admit your mistakes sincerely, and coax him gently. Before he completely cuts ties with you, bringing him back to Wuheng is the most important thing.

Such a good man cannot truly be given up to that second-generation heir, right?

Yes.

Yes indeed.

He cannot be let go to others.

Wei Liuyi quietly reached out his hand from under his sleeve, then clenched it again.

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Clearly, the person before him smiled and spoke just as always, without resentment, flawless in every word and deed.

Yet why… could he find no trace of the past in him?

His eyes were bright, but no longer carried the starry light they once had when looking at him.

The more that person smiled at him, the more powerless he felt in his heart.

…

Shao Xiaoling was displeased, shooting a fierce glare at the Marquis of Wuheng.

Mu Guanghan lowered his voice: "Tone it down."

Lozhou still depended on Wuheng for supplies to ensure no shortages. The 800,000 dan were too much to transport at once, so until all arrived, Lozhou must treat Wei Liuyi and Li Gouling with utmost courtesy, even if they gritted their teeth and pretended.

Absolutely no conflicts or troubles should arise.

Shao Xiaoling was scolded and sulked: "Why the sudden change in attitude? Is it because he’s thin and haggard? Feeling sorry for him? Wanting to reconcile?"

Mu Guanghan was exasperated.

"Husband, rest assured. I have you; I won’t reconcile with him."

Shao Xiaoling: "You’re talking nonsense! I’m warning you, don’t you dare hit my lord—"

Mu Guanghan sighed. "Relax. I know you’re petty and don’t like sharing. I promise, I only need you and the Lozhou Grand Commander; he’ll be the elder, you the younger, and you’ll be like brothers with no fighting like you and Wei Liuyi."

"You!!"

Shao Xiaoling was furious.

On this side, Wei Liuyi couldn’t hear their words, only saw Mu Guanghan smiling.

Unlike the timid youth full of humble expectations he once was by Wei Liuyi’s side, with Shao Xiaoling he smiled freely, openly, like the blazing sun.

He looked at him dazed, motionless.

…

Lozhou’s forces were insufficient; this northern campaign was a desperate gamble, requiring swift departure to catch the enemy off guard.

A prolonged campaign could bring unforeseen complications.

The day before the grand army’s departure, Lozhou generals gathered at Anmu City’s Moon God Temple to pray.

The two-meter-tall General Qian Kui and the veteran General Lu Tingyun, who guarded the rear, were present. Everyone respectfully burned incense and prayed, including Shu Jinjin, responsible for logistics, and the uninvited Li Gouling and Wei Liuyi, all for good luck.

Daxia had a rumor that the first incense burner’s wish was most effective.

The first incense was meant for the provincial lord, but Shao Xiaoling took it first and handed it to Mu Guanghan.

"Go quickly! Let’s have a swift and victorious campaign!"

The early morning sun cast a soft golden light on him, like the bright blue sky and the fluttering “Shao” banner on their first meeting.

Mu Guanghan smiled.

He remembered thinking at first how strangely unpredictable this second-generation heir was. Now, familiar, his foolish heart wasn’t so bad.

"Our Moon God Temple is a bit superstitious," Shao Xiaoling added. "It doesn’t matter how sincere you are; the more silver you give, the more effective it is. So I donated a lot of silver, a lot~"

…

In Daxia custom, wishes should be whispered softly for the gods to hear.

Mu Guanghan knelt holding incense.

"…"

"…"

Though the words “swift victory and success” hovered on his lips, he was unwilling.

"…"

"This battle’s outcome rests solely on me, Mu Changong. No need to trouble the Moon God."

"I’ve heard the Moon God is effective…"

"I sincerely wish the Moon God grants me a beauty to walk with for years."

Lo Nan Zhi was the best option. If not, he wouldn’t be picky.

Shao Xiaoling: "You!"

"What kind of nonsense wish is that? I spent so much silver—"

Mu Guanghan: "If I don’t find a peerless beauty, you can always ask for a refund. It’s your Lozhou temple; they won’t dare refuse."

That’s not the point!

Shao Xiaoling was furious.

These days, this man had refrained from attacking him, making him almost believe he was just a reputed lecher but actually a refined and noble figure like Nan Zhi.

He… had misjudged him!

And wasn’t Lozhou’s most handsome man enough? Why make a wish?

Mu Changong didn’t fancy the swan but wanted a peacock or phoenix from the heavens???

…

The army departed Anmu City.

Behind them, under clear skies, the ancient, lofty city walls gradually faded from view until they vanished.

On the dust-ridden road, the young master Shao Mingyue, only nine, sat in Mu Guanghan’s arms, already showing the demeanor of a little adult, diligent and eager to learn.

The front lines were perilous, but the young lord must not fear danger and be trained from youth.

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After all, a nine-year-old who hasn’t seen the horrors of war faces a bleak future.

Look at his third uncle, Shao Xiaoling.

The young master held a map, asking questions, with Mu Guanghan patiently answering.

"'Defeating the many with the few,' or 'one against a hundred,' is possible but extremely rare. On open plains, having one and a half times the enemy’s forces usually overwhelms them."

"But in siege warfare, because defenders rely on high walls and towers, attackers often need more than triple the enemy’s numbers to breach a city, and with difficult terrain, it’s even harder to attack than to defend."

"See here, Yushan," he pointed on the map, explaining to the young master, "Yushan stretches fifty li and is a natural barrier northeast of Lozhou. The cities we aim to reclaim, Xiucheng and Lincheng, lie with Yushan behind and the Luo River before them—easy to attack, easy to defend. They are the throat of Lozhou and must be fiercely contested."

"Now look here, between Lozhou and Yizhou, there are no mountains, just vast plains. That’s why half a year ago, Yizhou’s army under Yingzu could march day and night to Anmu, forcing General Lu to defend the provincial capital tightly, leaving Xiucheng and Lincheng’s border defenses weak and vulnerable to a surprise attack by the Xiliang army."

"Since then, Lincheng changed hands several times, its people suffered plunder, and with transport cut off, supplies were insufficient. Hence, Lo Nan Zhi could not stay long."

"The Xiliang forces, starting from Xiucheng, had many routes to spread out, easily trapping Lo Nan Zhi in Tangsha."

Such a complicated mess.

Shao Xiaoling doubted whether his nephew could understand.

But the young master listened very intently, nodding frequently.

Not only nodding, he responded: "That’s why we must move quickly—take Fuqing first, then Xiucheng. Once Xiucheng is captured, we can cut off Xiliang’s contact with Yizhou. Otherwise, if the Xiliang army moves south from Fuqing and breaks Ancheng, our provincial capital will be wide open, and all of Lozhou will be doomed, right?"

Mu Guanghan was pleased: "You’re really smart!"

This was the true bloodline of the old Marquis Shao Zijian, extraordinary even at a young age!

Shao Mingyue: "But what if…"

"What if what?"

The young master hesitated but finally said, "What if the Xiliang army, while we are busy reclaiming lost lands, throws more than triple their forces to attack Tangsha? Wouldn’t Uncle Nan Zhi be…"

Mu Guanghan sighed.

The young master’s worry was his own greatest concern.

Tangsha remained unconquered only because Xiliang was unwilling to pay the price. If they did, even a god like Lo Nan Zhi would be helpless.

Fortunately, Xiliang’s King Yan Zhi currently had a more tempting bait—

Thanks to Dongze’s army chief, Ji Sanyi, who cleverly diverted trouble eastward and captured a large area of land and cities from the allied forces, dazzling Yan Zhi with an offer far more appealing than a mere small city like Tangsha.

So Yan Zhi obediently took the bait.

But after the big bite, he turned back, watching Tangsha with a hawk’s eye, refusing to let go easily.

Last night, Mu Guanghan burned Yuehua incense and dreamt of Xun Qingwei sighing:

"Master, Sanyi said it’s all because you insisted on saving Lo Nan Zhi. The Dongze alliance suffered heavy losses."

"The Xiliang king is greedy and cunning, and devours everything quickly!"

"Truly, sigh!"

"Too troublesome. I never want to be enemies with this man in my life."

Mu Guanghan: "…"

"In fact, in the past, I had several chances to kill the Xiliang king."

The army marched through dense forests.

His Shao Mingyue, drowsy at first, perked up instantly upon hearing this, straining to listen.

"…"

Several chances—in Suizhou, later in Moqian, and most recently in Wuheng.

Each time, a mere thought difference.

Either unwilling to sacrifice elite troops or unwilling to harm innocent civilians, but later proved all wrong.

This battle now is the debt he must repay, having failed to cut off the Xiliang king’s threat once and for all.

"If I had known, I would have spared no effort, no cost, and left no room for escape."

"The Xiliang king Yan Zhi is…"

"Worth it."

"…"

Worth spending blood and treasure to kill.

Over these years, Mu Guanghan had to admit, he had never faced an opponent as strong and cunning as Yan Zhi, who always kept him on edge.

He was not confident he could always win.

But now, he could only comfort himself:

"Fortunately… I’ve heard that the Xiliang kings all die young."

For some reason, the Xiliang line was prone to bizarre accidents, and few kings in history lived past twenty-five.

Whether this hereditary short lifespan could take Yan Zhi sooner?

If not, then it would have to be him.

He hoped he could take him down… at last.