Chapter 122: Do Not Worry About Having No Friends on the Road Ahead (Bonus Chapter 4 for "I Want to Live for a Few More Decades")

Yang Xuan did not believe Zhang Chumao would be left without options, and he had already deduced Zhang’s strategy: force Liao Jin to recant his testimony.

That was the method he had anticipated. But how to force Liao Jin to recant? Bribery was impossible; Liao Jin’s reputation in the Northern Frontier was impeccable—he cherished his subordinates and was known for his integrity. Bribery would only incite his fury. That left only threats. Yet, Liao Jin lived an upright life, leaving no vulnerabilities to exploit. Yang Xuan had pondered this for days, never imagining that Zhang Chumao and his cohorts would stoop to targeting the family members of Liao Jin.

The tactic itself was not novel, but to execute it required immense influence. Zhang Chumao alone could not achieve this; it could only be the work of the vast power wielded by the Four Great Families.

Look at Yang Songcheng’s face. It appeared calm and indifferent, yet why was there a faint, embarrassed flush? Observe Zheng Qi; this fellow lacked Yang Songcheng’s composure, his fists clenched tight, a flash of anger crossing his face before he suppressed it. The Left Chancellor, Chen Shen, remained as impassive as ever, while Wang Douxiang had a slight curl to his lips, making no effort to hide his schadenfreude. The Right Chancellor, Xiahou Yuan, stood calmly by; it was evident he was merely here to watch the show.

The Minister of Personnel, Luo Cai, wore an expression of astonishment, yet this veteran official had seen countless storms in his life. When Li Bi had led troops into the palace years ago, he had only uttered an indifferent "Oh" upon hearing the news. How could such a minor disturbance warrant his shock? Meanwhile, the Minister of War, Song Zhen, looked on with undisguised disdain.

Aside from Song Zhen, they were all master actors. But Zhang Chumao had clearly botched his performance. He knelt and cried out, "Your Majesty, I am wronged!" He did not rebuke Liao Jin, but pleaded his innocence, sounding more like a spoiled child.

*Your Majesty, I was wrong, please give me another chance!*

How could anyone let him off with that? Yang Xuan thought that if he were on the throne, he would likely strip Zhang Chumao of his rank and send him to herd sheep in Taiping County.

Liao Jin stood there, his eyes bloodshot, showing he had barely slept. Between country and kin, he had chosen his country without hesitation. It was precisely because the Great Tang possessed such men that it could continue to forge ahead despite its ailments.

"Absurd!" the Emperor roared.

Zhang Chumao did not argue, merely bowing his head. The atmosphere was stifling.

The Emperor sneered, "Get back to the Southern Frontier!"

What? Yang Xuan was nearly shocked into losing his composure. *This is how a case of falsifying military exploits ends?* He risked a glance upward. Everyone else remained expressionless; it was clear this outcome had been expected by all.

Song Zhen rose. "Your Majesty."

Old Song was the only one with any backbone! Yang Xuan felt that among all the civil and military officials, this old man was the only one who remained incorruptible.

Song Zhen spoke, "A document has arrived from the Northern Frontier requesting the establishment of the Taiping Army. I dared not decide on my own."

Yang Xuan’s heart jolted. This was the moment when Yang Songcheng’s faction was at its weakest; if they missed this window, passing the military title for the Taiping Army would be difficult. A military title and a quota of one thousand soldiers were not much, but after Yang Songcheng’s failed plot to secure the position of Northern Frontier Commissioner, he would likely use this military title as cannon fodder to vent his spleen.

*Old Song... he is truly cunning!*

The Emperor uttered an "Oh." Wang Douxiang smiled faintly. Chen Shen remained motionless. Yang Songcheng kept his mouth shut. If he dared to object now, Wang Douxiang would surely pounce on Zhang Chumao without mercy.

"Granted!"

With that single word, the matter Yang Xuan had returned to orchestrate was settled. The only regret was that Zhang Chumao remained unscathed.

The affair was resolved smoothly. Liao Jin and Yang Xuan took their leave. Outside the grand hall, Liao Jin smiled slightly. "I endured a night of torment, but now I feel only heartache, no regrets. The Great Tang, after all, cannot become the world of such sniveling, petty creatures!"

Only then did Yang Xuan understand why Liao Jin had told him not to be rash when they first reached the hall. *The young step back; let the old man handle this!*

Liao Jin patted his shoulder. "Young man, work hard. The future of the Great Tang rests on your generation."

He led the way, and Yang Xuan followed as they slowly exited the palace. According to regulations, they would return to the Northern Frontier together tomorrow. Liao Jin looked back. "Find a place; keep me company for a drink."

"Yes."

The two went to a tavern, while the monarchs and ministers in the palace dispersed. Wang Douluo returned to his office to find his younger brother, Wang Douxiang, waiting.

"How did it go?" Wang Douxiang asked with concern.

Wang Douluo sat down. "They seized the leverage of Liao Jin’s son to threaten his compromise, yet Liao Jin defiantly spoke the truth..."

"Defiantly!" Wang Douxiang gave a bitter laugh. "Since when has speaking the truth become such a dangerous act?"

Wang Douluo sneered, "Can you believe it? Zhang Chumao, who falsified military intelligence and exploits, was merely sent back to the Southern Frontier. Is this a punishment?"

Wang Douxiang was not surprised. "If we bring Zhang Chumao down, who will keep those fierce generals in the military in check? The Emperor is a master of power, and he cares only for balance."

Wang Douluo only sneered.

"Oh!" Wang Douxiang asked with sudden curiosity, "Did the Left Chancellor and your faction not prepare any countermeasures against Zhang Chumao?"

"Of course we did," Wang Douluo said indifferently. "If Liao Jin had bowed to Zhang Chumao, he would have become a puppet of the Four Great Families. Once he yielded, we would have revealed our evidence and brought both of them down together."

"I just didn't expect Liao Jin to be so unyielding."

...

Liao Jin and Yang Xuan drank in the tavern, draining their cups.

"In the future, when you have children, remember never to spoil them too much." Liao Jin stroked the wine from his beard, his hand trembling, his expression somber. He was a loving father.

"My heart aches," Liao Jin breathed heavily, laughing bitterly. "To find evidence, those people used despicable means. I don't know how my son is faring now, but I cannot ask. If I did, they would claim I was trying to interfere. To be a man... it is truly damn difficult."

*Knock, knock, knock.*

Someone knocked on the door. Liao Jin asked, "Who is it?"

The door opened, and a man stood outside, hidden in the shadows. He whispered, "Lord Liao, the Emperor has handed your son’s case to the Mirror Terrace. Please rest assured, your son will arrive safely at his place of exile. Our brothers there will look after him..."

Liao Jin froze, instinctively asking, "Why? Who are you?"

The man outside said softly, "Lord Liao sacrificed his family for the country; we act out of personal loyalty to Lord Liao. It is a fitting exchange. Lord Liao, the path ahead is not without kindred spirits. Please, press on."

Liao Jin’s eyes turned red. Yang Xuan took a deep breath, suppressing the surge of emotion in his heart. Just as he started to rise, the door closed. Footsteps faded into the distance.

...

Winter in Taiping was quiet. Standing on the city walls, one saw only a vast expanse of white. Within the city, the newly arrived prisoners frequently caused trouble, provoking the long-time residents. Within three days, two had died and over a dozen were seriously injured.

Cao Ying was furious and ordered the Death Battalion to suppress them. The city descended into chaos for a time; the ringleaders were captured, given a brutal beating, and seemingly became docile.

"The people of the Northern Frontier are fierce. They are quiet for now, but no one can say when they will act up again." In the county office, Old Thief offered his expert opinion.

"Why?" Cao Ying asked.

Old Thief’s wounds had mostly healed, but he continued to feign frailty, coughing a few times before gasping, "These prisoners are used to forming cliques. As soon as they reach a new place, they show their fangs. They first intimidate the old-timers, then fight among themselves to decide who is the boss, who is second..."

Everyone involuntarily glanced at Yi Niang.

"Why look at me?" Yi Niang said with dissatisfaction. "I am wondering when the master will return."

"It should be soon," Old Thief said. "By all accounts, he should have arrived long ago. Could it be that some beauty in Chang’an has kept him there?"

Cao Ying raised an eyebrow. "Han Ying."

The two exchanged banter, successfully dispersing the heavy mood.

"Suppress them," Old Thief said. "There is no other way. Only use fists to teach them what the rules are."

Cao Ying nodded. "I see. I recall some in the city who refuse to listen—throw them out and let them fight. Oh, right, I’ll give you some weapons later; take them and sell them to the old-timers... they are few in number, so they will certainly feel timid against the newcomers. Having weapons will make a difference."

"Good idea!" Old Thief praised. "And we can make money."

Cao Ying smiled. "Also, tell the newcomers that the old-timers have weapons. That way, only the most unruly will dare to attack. Let them fight; once they are finished, we will step in and suppress them."

With this ruthless tactic, the most defiant of the new prisoners would die a miserable death. And the unruly old-timers would also suffer heavily... Old Thief shook his head.

Yi Niang was used to it. "Old Cao is truly vicious."

Cao Ying’s face darkened.

"Yi Niang, Brother Nan is here."

Nan He arrived, his face weathered by the wind. "How are the prisoners?" Cao Ying asked.

Nan He shook his head. "They are all unruly. Some are still shouting even after having their legs broken. Damn it, the Northerners are truly fierce. Excellent sources for soldiers."

Hasty footsteps approached. Zhen Siwen rushed in. "Mr. Cao, urgent report from Chen Prefecture."

"Give it to me!"

Cao Ying took the document, read a few lines, raised his eyes, and said with a heavy expression, "Northern Liao has acted against the norm and launched an offensive in mid-winter. The Commissioner orders us in Taiping to keep a close watch on the three major tribes facing us."

Nan He was stunned. "Launching a campaign in winter wastes resources. Soldiers and horses are prone to frostbite, and fodder is hard to procure... Has Helian Feng gone mad?"

Cao Ying shook his head. "Regardless..."

"The Magistrate is back!" someone cheered from outside.

Everyone’s spirits lifted, and Yi Niang had already darted out. The new prisoners were in a standoff with the old-timers.

"The Magistrate is here."

*Whoosh.* The newcomers were stunned to see the fierce old-timers suddenly vanish.

"Where did they go?"

"The Magistrate is back!" A group of children ran cheering toward the city gate.

Several newcomer leaders looked at each other. "The Magistrate?"

"Hasn't he been absent lately?"

Yang Xuan entered the city.

"Greetings, Magistrate."

"Good day, Magistrate."

"The Magistrate has lost weight. Let this slave help you nourish your body."

"..."

Yang Xuan waved his hand, scenes from movies flashing through his mind, feeling as if he were floating on air.

When he reached the county office, Yi Niang was already waiting outside. She first peeked in, then pretended to speak casually. "Master is back?"

"Yes! I’m back."

"Greetings, Magistrate."

"Greetings, Master."

A crowd ushered him inside.

"Master, Northern Liao has launched a campaign." Cao Ying handed the document to Yang Xuan.

"Can’t they let me have a moment of peace?" Yang Xuan wished he could lead his troops to crush Northern Liao and drag Helian Feng back to feed his horses.

"Order the beacon towers at Er Mei Mountain to increase their vigilance... in this weather, unless the three tribes can secure a massive amount of white cloth, they cannot launch a surprise attack."

"Yes!"

"Order the scouts to patrol in shifts. No need to go too far."

"Yes!"

"Keep a close watch on the food and fodder in the city. Beware of fire and keep idlers away."

"Yes!"

"How many immigrants have arrived?" Yang Xuan sat down, stretching out his numb buttocks and letting out a satisfied groan.

Cao Ying said, "Over two thousand."

"That’s about right." Yang Xuan felt the efficiency in Tao County was quite good. "Are they behaving?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Yang Xuan smiled. "Causing a lot of trouble?"

"Yes."

"Then start the drills."

Having just arrived home, Yang Xuan was exhausted.

"Fourth Lady, is the bathwater ready?" Yi Niang asked.

Zhang Siniang entered. "It is ready."

*Why is this girl’s face like a peach blossom, so shy?* Yang Xuan was puzzled.

After he entered the bathroom, he noticed Zhang Siniang had not left, standing with her head down as if waiting for something.

"Why haven't you left?"

"This slave is here to serve you, Master."

"No need."

After bathing, he went out to find Yi Niang lecturing Zhang Siniang.

"Do I need to teach you how to serve the Master? You said you were trembling... then tremble! Otherwise, how will the Master know you have spirit? You must twist your waist... Master."

Yang Xuan covered his forehead. "I have matters to attend to."

"She is trying to help you understand the delights of a woman early on. Yi Niang has good intentions!" Zhuque remarked.

"Are you a man or a woman?"

Yang Xuan’s single question left the light glowing steadily, as if it were stunned into silence.

In the front courtyard, Cao Ying and the others were discussing affairs. Seeing Yang Xuan arrive, they all rose.

"Sit."

After Yang Xuan sat, he first praised everyone for their dedication, then asked about the situation since he left.

"Everything has been fine. Last time, someone came from Zhangyu County, claiming to deliver grain. They only brought two carts, and the man kept wandering around the city. Old Thief was sharp; he waited for him on the road to the mountain foot. Sure enough, the man was trying to steal your method of training soldiers."

Cao Ying sneered, "Does that Du Hui think he can be a famous general?"

Nan He laughed. "There were guards during training. If anyone could approach easily, it would be a joke."

"Old Thief, are you better?" Wang Laoer asked from the side.

"Still not quite there." Old Thief wore a look of kidney deficiency.

"I brought you some meat." Wang Laoer opened a small bundle, revealing beef jerky.

Yang Xuan was stunned. "Wasn’t this given to you by Han Ying? You didn’t finish it?"

Wang Laoer said, "I saved it for Yi Niang and Old Thief. And... Old Cao and Fifth Brother."

Yi Niang looked at him with doting eyes. Old Thief reached out and ruffled his hair, his gaze incredibly kind. Beef jerky was a rare commodity, and everyone took a piece.

"Drills tomorrow."

Yang Xuan left after saying this. He did not sleep well that night, feeling as if the bed were shaking. The next morning, Old Thief mentioned there had been a minor earthquake the night before. This tremor at the beginning of the fourth year of Daqian had no impact on Taiping County, save for a few chickens and ducks running about, and the sensation of the bed rocking.

Outside the city of Tao County, over five thousand Northern Liao troops had gathered.

"In this snowy weather!" Liao Jin, the Deputy Commissioner who had just returned, thought Helian Feng had gone mad.

"The Commissioner is here."

Huang Chunhui slowly climbed the city wall, squinting and shading his eyes with his hand. Everyone looked at him.

Below the wall, a Liao general was screaming.

"Huang Chunhui, damn your mother, do you dare come out and fight?"

Liao Jin couldn't help but laugh. Everyone laughed. In the past, the Liao army had cursed even worse, and the Commissioner had acted as if he heard nothing. Wasn't this a waste of effort?

Huang Chunhui coughed. "Jiang Cunzhong."

Jiang Cunzhong stood at attention. "I am here."

"Take ten thousand men and fight. Don't come back if you lose."

Jiang Cunzhong was stunned for a moment, then overcome with ecstasy. "Understood!"

"And... Zhang Du?" Huang Chunhui looked like an old man with dementia.

Zhang Du stepped forward. "I am here."

Huang Chunhui smacked his lips. "Old Liao always says you are brave. Go, lead the charge."

"Understood!" Zhang Du was ecstatic, nearly insane with joy.

Huang Chunhui opened his eyes, which were chronically cloudy, and roared, "Go and kill those lowly dogs!"