Chapter 79
Xue Yuan had just pulled his mind out of the joy of securing the future of his descendants when the Emperor’s announcement of sending him to the border with provisions and troops came crashing down on him.
Accepting the imperial decree, Xue Yuan thought repeatedly about the border and the windswept sands as he made his way from the palace back to his residence. Then, his thoughts turned to Gu Yuanbai.
This journey to the border involved both combating locusts and dispatching troops. Xue Yuan knew that it wouldn’t be as simple as delivering the supplies and soldiers and returning. He was not content with just that; he had to accomplish something, to dispel the resentment and negativity that weighed on his heart.
The audacity of the border’s nomads, the plight of the common people, the feebleness of the military – he had to vent his frustrations before he could come back.
He also had to show Gu Yuanbai what he was capable of. He had to demonstrate his skills and abilities to him. He needed to deter those petty individuals, making them realize that no one could surpass Xue Yuan.
He must head to the northern border; it was imperative. This journey would take at least four to five months.
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Ju vbl vkxl bl alvwadle, kv xktbv yzalyeu cl vbl qszzsokdt ulya, yde bl oswze byhl xkpple Qw Zwydcyk’p ckavbeyu. Pke bl oydv vs fskd kd vbl nlzlcayvksdp? Xq nswapl, bl eke.
Rv oypd’v fwpv y ryppkdt elpkal; kv oyp y tldwkdl yprkayvksd. Dwl Zwyd nsdvlxrzyvle qsa y zsdt obkzl, bkp vbswtbvp alhszhkdt yaswde bso vs zlyhl yd kxralppksd sd vbl Oxrlasa’p xkde.
Rd y vkxl obld dwxlaswp vyzldvle kdekhkewyzp lxlatle sdl yqvla ydsvbla, bl bye vs cl alxlxclale qsa qswa vs qkhl xsdvbp.
Nspv kd vbswtbv, bl yaakhle bsxl yde dsvknle Yyeyx Dwl alvwadkdt qasx swvpkel, ealpple dlyvzu. Sykpkdt yd lulcaso, bl nypwyzzu ypjle, “Eblal byhl usw clld?”
Yyeyx Dwl cyalzu qzkdnble, alprsdekdt, “R oldv vs nsdhlapl okvb vbl okhlp sq svbla xydpksdp.”
Dwl Zwyd dseele ycpldvxkdelezu, vbld pweeldzu byzvle kd bkp pvlrp yde vwadle vs bla, ypjkdt sd y obkx, “Ysvbla, obyv kq R’hl vyjld y zkjkdt vs psxlsdl, jkpple vblx, vswnble vblx, cwv vblu pvkzz alqwpl? Ebyv pbswze R es?”
“Ikpple vblx, vswnble vblx.” Mblpl vos rbayplp pvawnj Yyeyx Dwl zkjl y czso. Fbl alxykdle pkzldv qsa y obkzl, okrkdt bla lulp okvb y bydejlanbklq. Mlyap bye yzalyeu eyxrldle byzq sq kv.
“…” Dwl Zwyd xwaxwale psqvzu, “Ebyv’p oasdt?
Without inquiring further, he went back to his room.
*
Provisions and supplies were swiftly mobilized, loaded onto wagons for transport. The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War followed suit closely. As the army set out, the mechanical devices, equipment, and various military necessities they required had to be prepared in tandem. These specifics were meticulously calculated, requiring a rapid and precise execution.
The Supervisory office was busy with deploying troops and arranging the march, while the Court of State Affairs was even busier than the Supervisory Office. They meticulously calculated various accounts, and as the crisis unfolded unexpectedly, they couldn’t afford any delay. They had to put aside all other matters day and night and focus solely on calculating the required military provisions.
Gu Yuanbai and the other ministers discussed matters during the morning court session, and continued their discussions even after the court session concluded. At times, the candlelight in the Imperial Study burned late into the night, and the sound of ongoing deliberations echoed within. In this bustling atmosphere, a substantial number of provisions and soldiers gradually gathered. The detailed and intricate marching plans were continuously revised, refined through a process of constant overturning and proposing.
Finally, the day came for Xue Yuan to depart for the Northern Frontier.
Xue Yuan, with a scruffy beard, brought two fully grown wolves from his residence to present them before Gu Yuanbai.
These wolves had thick fur, agile and robust limbs. Held by Xue Yuan, they stared fiercely at everyone in the hall. The palace maids paled and involuntarily took a few steps back.
Amidst his busy schedule, Gu Yuanbai managed to raise his head and, upon spotting the fierce wolves, expressed surprise, “Weren’t there two wolf cubs brought earlier? Why have two wolves been sent now?”
“Those cubs were too small,” Xue Yuan’s voice was hoarse, “these two can protect Your Majesty.”
Gu Yuanbai hesitated upon hearing this, pausing his writing, “Protect me?”
Xue Yuan replied with a deep voice and then abruptly released his grip on the wolves. The palace attendants let out cries of astonishment, but the two wolves strolled leisurely and approached Gu Yuanbai’s robes, sniffing around before lying down by the Emperor’s side.
The sudden release of the wolves made Gu Yuanbai’s heart race, and he remained stiff, looking down at the two wolves beside him.
Xue Yuan explained, “They’ve been tamed. They won’t bite anyone, not even Your Majesty. When I’m not here, they’ll protect you, so I can leave with peace of mind.”
Gu Yuanbai’s eyelids twitched, and he remained motionless, “You leave with peace of mind? So, in your eyes, our Imperial Guards are nothing more than paper tigers?”
“Not the same.”
Xue Yuan gestured to Tian Fusheng and succinctly instructed, “Steward Tian, go pour His Majesty a cup of tea.”
Tian Fusheng’s legs trembled like chaff, and he managed a strained smile, “This, Lord Xue… Is this appropriate?”
Xue Yuan, however, insisted, “Hurry.”
Tian Fusheng glanced at the Emperor, who had already relaxed knowing that the two wolves remained obediently still. Gu Yuanbai leaned back in his chair and nodded at Tian Fusheng.
Wolves were not dogs. Gu Yuanbai was quite curious to see how Xue Yuan had managed to tame these two wolves and what protective actions they could undertake.
Tian Fusheng, wearing a troubled expression, brought a cup of tea forward, trembling as he approached. The cup rattled as he drew closer to Gu Yuanbai, who was about five paces away. The two wolves, lying on the ground with their eyes half-closed, suddenly opened their eyes and cast a glance at him. Their beastly eyes were deep and profound. The water in Tian Fusheng’s cup shook violently. Anxiously, he moved closer and eventually managed to place the tea on the table before the Emperor.
Xue Yuan’s lips curled into a faint smile. He signaled another guard to draw closer with a drawn blade. Before the guard could even approach, the two wolves had already stood up. Their fur bristled, and their sharp teeth made low growls as their gaze remained fixed on the guard. They were ready to attack and pounce at any moment.
Gu Yuanbai remained silent for a moment. He seemed to be excited, as if he had acquired a wild yet intriguing new toy. Although his face appeared calm, his heart raced. He leaned forward and cautiously touched the heads of the two wolves, saying slowly, “What if they bite the wrong person?”
“They don’t eat human flesh,” Xue Yuan explained. “Every day, Your Majesty feeds them raw meat. That way, they won’t bite anyone fatally. And if they do bite the wrong person, it will be someone who dares to approach Your Majesty with a drawn blade.”
Xue Yuan paused briefly, then continued, “They are smart. They know who to bite and who not to. There’s no room for error. If Your Majesty points at someone, they’ll spring into action, even if it means getting their teeth broken.”
Gu Yuanbai bent down and tentatively touched the heads of the two wolves. He spoke slowly, “I understand that you’re talking about wolves, not dogs.”
Xue Yuan chuckled softly, and even his disheveled beard seemed charming at this moment. “When wolves encounter Your Majesty, they have to become obedient dogs.”
His voice was low, and Gu Yuanbai couldn’t hear him clearly. His attention was stolen by the majestic presence of the two wolves. “What dogs?”
“I just mean, Your Majesty can rest assured and use them like dogs,” Xue Yuan smiled faintly. “If their teeth break, I have plenty of wolves in my residence. They’ve all been taught their lessons, to a greater or lesser extent. If you discard these two, Your Majesty can simply choose another from my residence.”
“If they can’t protect Your Majesty,” he pondered for a moment, nonchalantly continuing, “then when I return, I’ll treat Your Majesty to a pot of wolf meat soup.”
As if understanding Xue Yuan’s words, the two wolves suddenly trembled all over, stood up with their tails tucked between their legs, and approached Gu Yuanbai. They whimpered and nuzzled against Gu Yuanbai’s hand, inviting him to stroke their fur.
Gu Yuanbai smiled and petted their heads, showing an unusual level of ruthlessness, “Alright, I’ve never tasted wolf meat before.”
The whimpering of the two wolves grew louder.
Xue Yuan turned to Tian Fusheng and asked, “Steward Tian, how are the two wolf cubs I sent to His Majesty earlier?”
Tian Fusheng was now quite nervous whenever he heard Xue Yuan speak. He replied honestly, “The two wolf cubs that Lord Xue sent are being raised in the Beast Garden.”
“And what about the red fox?”
Tian Fusheng responded, “They’re all in the Beast Garden.”
Everything seemed to have fallen into silence.
Xue Yuan sighed, “Those two wolf cubs are quite attached to people. If I’m not around, Your Majesty, please remember to visit them often.”
Gu Yuanbai withdrew his hand and took a handkerchief from a palace attendant to wipe his hand, “Since they’re so attached, why do they only stick to me? Aren’t the eunuchs and palace maids who take care of them considered people as well?”
“Not the same.”
When Xue Yuan tamed these wolves, he let them sniff items belonging to Gu Yuanbai, saying, “This is the scent of your other master, your mother has this scent too, understand?”
But he couldn’t say that. If he did, he might end up with more than he bargained for from the mother of these wolf cubs.
Xue Yuan tilted his head slightly, “Your Majesty is correct. Earlier, you mentioned being interested in my horse. I brought it here for you. The horse is called Liefeng. You can have someone take it to the stable now.”
“You…” Gu Yuanbai hesitated, “Indeed, I did take a liking to that horse, but there are priorities. Lord Xue, you currently need a good horse for your journey to the Northern Frontier. Keep it for yourself, and you can save me the trouble of rewarding you.”
Wolves and horses again. Gu Yuanbai always had a feeling that Xue Yuan was trying to leave everything with him before leaving.
As soon as the Emperor spoke, Xue Yuan didn’t argue. He simply said “alright” with a smile and watched as the Emperor’s five fingers slid through the wolf’s fur, “Does Your Majesty like gray fur?”
“It doesn’t matter if We like it or not,” Gu Yuanbai casually replied, “as long as it feels comfortable.” (translator’s note: I’m trying my best to use the “we,” the royal pronoun for royalties but I forget sometimes. I’m not used to it, please understand. Thanks.)
After saying this, he suddenly remembered Xue Yuan’s abundant hair. His expression changed slightly, and his hand, resting on the wolf’s head, hesitated for a moment.
Amidst the busyness of the past few days, it was as if he had forgotten something. Now, it suddenly came to mind—the very thing he had intended to sever, Xue Yuan’s ‘root’.
A true embodiment of a heavenly son, the protagonist of this tale. It was quite a coincidence that Gu Yuanbai, the one who had contemplated exterminating Xue Yuan’s lineage, found himself faced with an urgent situation that spanned eight hundred li.
Tomorrow was the expedition. Gu Yuanbai thought absentmindedly, wondering if he would still be able to ride tomorrow after having it severed today.
“Your Majesty,” after a while, Xue Yuan spoke again, “I said before that I wanted to give a jade finger ring to my future wife. It was just a casual remark. Anything presented to Your Majesty belongs to you. There’s no question of whether to keep it or return it.”
Gu Yuanbai touched the jade finger ring on his hand, turning it around. His voice was deep, “Hmm?”
Xue Yuan smiled gently, “I’d like to inquire, does the reward offered earlier still hold weight now?”
Gu Yuanbai turned the jade finger ring back and forth, “It holds weight.”
“Your Majesty’s favor is abundant,” Xue Yuan said, “Before I leave, I wish to bathe in Your Majesty’s blessings.”
“I want to take a bath… in your bathwater.”
*
After leaving the palace, Xue Yuan not only bathed in the Emperor’s bathwater but also filled a water container before departing.
Although the palace’s spring water was regularly replaced and cleaned, Xue Yuan knew that the Emperor had taken a bath this morning. When he spoke with Xue Yuan, one could catch a faint whiff of the refreshing scent of water dew by simply getting a little closer. Gu Yuanbai was a man of his word. Even if Xue Yuan’s request was slightly irregular, he nodded in agreement.
Xue Yuan patted the water container at his side and felt pleased.
He himself had picked up a hint of the palace’s fragrance, mixed with a very faint medicinal scent. This fragrance was quite similar to the one emanating from the Emperor’s body. While soaking in the bath, Xue Yuan felt as though Gu Yuanbai was right beside him.
It was as if both of them were bare-skinned, intimately touching.
As a result, after finishing his bath, Xue Yuan stood by the pool for quite some time, needing to pull his mind out of this enchanting illusion.
After he left, within the palace.
Tian Fusheng discreetly conversed with the head guard, “Look at Lord Xue. He’s brought those little wolves and big wolves here twice. I get scared just by a glance, so why isn’t he afraid?”
The head guard remained vigilant, keeping a close eye on the two wolves that the Emperor had allowed to rest near the table. He replied, “Lord Xue is a bold individual. It’s not surprising that he likes these creatures.”
Tian Fusheng sighed, “Lord Xue’s temperament is quite daunting. Even just a glance from him makes me uneasy. It’s strange how he’s not the same with His Majesty. The Emperor carries immense dignity, yet he has the audacity to use His Majesty’s bathwater. It just goes to show that this man, indeed, can change his abilities and characteristics, but not his lustful desires.”
The head guard disagreed, “Is it fair to label it as lustful desires? Isn’t Lord Xue just seeking to bathe in His Majesty’s blessings and find solace?”
Tian Fusheng paused, then glanced at him. It was only now that he remembered the head guard wasn’t aware of Xue Yuan’s previous expression of affection to the Emperor. He shuddered, cold sweat forming on his forehead. He quickly corrected himself, “Exactly, I misspoke. Chief Zhang, please don’t take it seriously. I was speaking nonsense, and it’s not to be believed.”
The head guard sighed, “Steward Tian, you mustn’t be so casual with your words next time.”
Tian Fusheng wiped away his sweat, “Yes.”
That night, when Gu Yuanbai fell asleep, the two wolves were also resting in front of the inner chamber. The palace servants tiptoed out from the inner chamber, speaking in hushed tones even softer than usual.
However, Gu Yuanbai’s sleep that night was even deeper than usual.
As the sky brightened on the second day, it was the day of Xue Yuan’s departure for the northern border.
*
Gu Yuanbai bid farewell to the soldiers alongside the officials. His expression was solemn, with a weighty trust reflected in his eyes. “Xue Qing, lead the soldiers and provisions safely to the border, and return safely.”
Xue Yuan was clad in silver armor, the heavy plates adorning his body, making him imposing and powerful. After bowing, he straightened up, slightly lowering his head, his gaze fixed on Gu Yuanbai’s eyes.
His tied-up long hair cascaded down his back. Fully prepared, a sense of killing intent and sharpness emanated from the corners of his eyes.
Under the scorching sun, his aura was fierce, his determination resolute.
After a moment of eye contact, Xue Yuan suddenly lifted his robe, swiftly and gracefully kneeling down. Gu Yuanbai hadn’t anticipated such a grand gesture, and he bent down to help him up. However, just as he did, Xue Yuan straightened up abruptly, planting a kiss on Gu Yuanbai’s cheek.
It happened so quickly, almost like an illusion, and no one saw it.
Gu Yuanbai’s hand, in the process of assisting, froze.
“I’ll be away for four or five months. You can’t forget me,” Xue Yuan whispered, his warm breath brushing against Gu Yuanbai’s cheek, “Wait for me. Before I return, don’t let anyone touch you, whether it’s a finger or a strand of hair. Promise?”
After suppressing his feelings for over two months, and learning the rules for the same duration, Xue Yuan knew that he wouldn’t win over Gu Yuanbai like this.
Because Gu Yuanbai wouldn’t fall for an obedient dog.
However, Gu Yuanbai didn’t explode in anger. He smiled gently and said softly, “That’s not possible.”
“It’s fine,” Xue Yuan chuckled, “With wolves protecting you, who would dare touch you? Whoever dares to touch you, whether it’s a finger or a strand of hair, my wolves will bite off that finger. When I return from the northern border, whoever’s missing a finger, I’ll personally come knocking with a knife.”
Finishing his words, he bowed deeply, performing three kowtows and nine prostrations.
With the ceremony completed, he stood up, mounted his horse in a swift and clean motion, his cloak billowing, his robe rustling.
“Depart.”
Thousands of troops and supplies formed a winding procession, with provisions protected at its core. Besides Xue Yuan, dozens of talented individuals recognized by the court for their expertise in combating locusts joined the journey. Additionally, there were hundreds of carts loaded with essential medicinal herbs.
Several hundred doctors accompanied the group to prevent potential diseases after the locust plague.
Each soldier was strong and robust, with towering physiques. They were well-fed with meals and salt, and now fully equipped. They could wield both large swords and shields, as well as bear the weight of heavy armor. The horses were even more well-fed and robust, their mounted riders letting out resounding roars.
These roars echoed the satisfaction of consuming rich horse fodder on ordinary days.
Such a formidable force should logically achieve victory.
As Gu Yuanbai stood there, watching the long procession gradually disappear from his sight, those around him were ignited with fervor. Their breaths grew heavier.
He took out a handkerchief and leisurely wiped his face, all the while pondering: Bring me victory.
A great triumph, where the silver spent like flowing water to maintain the troops was exchanged for victory.
Let the nomadic tribes witness the transformation of Da Heng’s soldiers, let them witness how the emperor of Da Heng has changed.
And have these transformed emperor and soldiers gained enough strength to compel them to obediently cheer and praise?
Gu Yuanbai was truly looking forward to it.
**************
Aww the wolves