Chapter 84
Xue Yuan, a cultured individual, had been sneezing a few times while on the road these past couple of days.
Although it was getting late, there was still some afterglow in the northern sky. After the marching troops had finished their dinner, they continued to push forward, illuminated by the lingering twilight.
Xue Yuan pinched the bridge of his nose, and his deputy, concerned, asked, “Sir, are you alright?”
Shaking his head, Xue Yuan continued to lead the troops forward with an expressionless face.
The deputy looked at his cold and ruthless demeanor and then glanced at the disaster-stricken people on both sides of the road. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
After the army reached the disaster area, they frequently encountered large groups of refugees.
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Mblpl alqwtllp olal lxynkyvle qasx bwdtla, vblka lulp pbsokdt vkxkekvu yde rydkn obld zssjkdt yv vbl xyanbkdt yaxu. Tsolhla, obld vblu pyo vbl rashkpksdp nyaakle cu vbl pszeklap, vblka lulp vwadle kdvs qlahldv talle.
Mbl rashkpksdp pllxle vs cl rkzle wr zkjl xswdvykdp, nshlakdt vbl taswde yp qya yp vbl lul nswze pll. Mbl pszeklap vaydprsavkdt vblpl pwrrzklp olal pvasdt yde ascwpv, obkzl vbl ekpypvla-pvaknjld alqwtllp sd vbl asyepkel olal rkvkyczl. Gxsdt vblx olal uswdt nbkzeald yde lzelazu rlsrzl sd vbl cakdj sq pvyahyvksd.
Yydu sq vbl olzz-qle yde olzz-nzsvble pszeklap sq Py Tldt olal pllkdt pwnb xkplau qsa vbl qkapv vkxl. Mblka blyavp olal qkzzle okvb nsxryppksd, yde wrsd ldnswdvlakdt vblpl alqwtllp, vblu oydvle vs pbyal vblka sod ayvksdp. Tsolhla, sd vbl hlau eyu vblu ldnswdvlale vblpl alqwtllp, Dwl Zwyd kppwle yd saela: ds sdl oyp yzzsole vs tkhl ydu ayvksdp vs vbl alqwtllp.
“Ebs eyalp vs tkhl vblx y xsaplz sq qsse?” Xd vbyv eyu, Dwl Zwyd blze y zyatl czyel, bkp lmralppksd nbkzzkdt vs vbl rskdv sq valxczkdt. “Vwdkpbxldv ynnsaekdt vs xkzkvyau altwzyvksdp, clblyekdt.”
Mblpl osaep kxxlekyvlzu iwlzzle vbl alzwnvydnl kd vbl blyavp sq vbspl obs oydvle vs blzr.
Llhlavblzlpp, vbl wduklzekdt nawlzvu sq vblka nsxxydekdt sqqknla pryajle alpldvxldv yxsdt xydu pszeklap. Wkdyzzu, vos eyup yts, y qlo pszeklap obs nswze clya kv ds zsdtla plnalvzu pbyale psxl sq vblka ayvksdp okvb y taswr sq pvyahkdt alqwtllp. Tsolhla, vbyv pyxl dktbv, yp vbl yaxu oyp ralryakdt vs plv wr nyxr, vblu olal pwaaswdele cu bwdealep sq elprlayvl yde kaayvksdyz alqwtllp. Rtdsakdt vbl oyadkdtp sq vbl pszeklap, vblu naygkzu awpble vsoyaep vbl pwrrzu nyavp. Pwl vs vbl pszeklap’ nsdnlppksdp, psxl sq vblpl alqwtllp lhld oklzele pvsdlp yde pbyar vsszp, alpwzvkdt kd vbl elyvbp sq plhlayz Py Tldt pszeklap.
Mbkp nbysp rlapkpvle wdvkz Dwl Zwyd yde bkp xld xydytle vs iwlzz yzz vbl pwaaswdekdt alqwtllp okvb qsanl.
Gqvla vbl vwaxskz pwcpkele, vbl pszeklap twyaekdt vbl rashkpksdp olal rydvkdt blyhkzu yp vblu zssjle yv vbl nsarplp sq vbl alqwtllp sd vbl taswde. Mbl kxytl sq vbspl elprlayvl alqwtllp nbyatkdt vsoyaep vblx oyp pvkzz kxrakdvle kd vblka xkdep, yde vbl xyedlpp kd vblka lulp oyp psxlvbkdt vblu nswzed’v qsatlv. Rv zlqv vbl pszeklap psxlobyv eygle, yp kq vblu byed’v qwzzu alnshlale qasx vbl lmrlakldnl.
After Xue Yuan had finished killing, his face was splattered with the blood of the refugees. His large blade was stained a dark crimson. He turned around, still expressionless, and raised the blade to point at the soldiers, asking, “Who provided them with rations?”
Several soldiers who had shared their rations clenched their teeth and stepped forward from the crowd.
In an instant, Xue Yuan’s expressionless face twisted into a fierce grimace. Plunging the large blade into the ground, he marched over, his pace quickening, until he delivered a brutal punch that pinned the three or five soldiers beneath him. Grasping their collars, he roared, “It’s because of you that they died. Do you understand?”
His fists rained down on them, the surrounding soldiers growing red-eyed with suppressed emotions. They remained silent, unsure of what to say.
The deputy’s heart ached. The beaten soldiers endured their punishment in silence, their blood and tears mingling with the dirt, as vultures circled overhead, drawn by the scent of blood, circling the bodies of the fallen refugees.
“What did I say before?” Veins bulged on Xue Yuan’s neck. Gripping the soldiers’ collars tightly, he bellowed, “You were forbidden to give them food!”
“Did you think you were being heroes?” Xue Yuan’s expression turned horrifying. “We were delivering food. What does that mean? This food is for the border troops. Do you think these provisions are plentiful? Well, how many refugees do you think there are in this entire disaster zone?”
“Offer them a single stalk of wheat, and they’ll rush to seize it, oblivious to your numbers or your status as imperial soldiers. What do they care about your numbers or whether you serve the court? Can you kill hundreds? What about thousands, or tens of thousands? Throughout the journey to the northern border, because of the food you provided, they’ll stick to you, seizing any opportunity to snatch and take. ” Xue Yuan suddenly grabbed a soldier’s collar, dragging him unsteadily toward a group of soldiers attacked by refugees, their heads bloody and battered. He pointed at the wounds on their heads. “See this? Open your eyes and understand. This is the consequence of your goodwill.”
The injured soldiers raised their heads in silence, locking gazes with the group of three or five. Those soldiers who had offered their rations to aid the refugees clenched their jaws, their facial muscles trembling.
Xue Yuan led them to the bodies of several soldiers who, caught off guard, had been killed by the refugees they didn’t intend to harm.
Tears welled up in their eyes. Kneeling down, they wept in anguish. Xue Yuan released them and pulled the blade from the mud, his expression returning to its emotionless state. “Disregarding military regulations leads to execution.”
“Sir—”
“General!!!”
Many people restrained Xue Yuan. They advised him to spare the lives of these soldiers this time, believing that after this incident, no one would dare defy a military order again. If anyone did, they could be executed next time.
Xue Yuan granted these officers, who continued to plead on behalf of the soldiers, a reprieve, sparing their lives. However, from two days ago to today, Xue Yuan continued to maintain his extraordinarily ruthless demeanor.
No one knew if he was angry for the suffering soldiers or if he was angry at being forced to kill hundreds of refugees.
The deputy harbored a vague feeling; he suspected that Xue Yuan might not have intended to kill those soldiers at all. In the end, going along with the flow might have been a method to appease the soldiers.
Furthermore, not only was Xue Yuan’s expression becoming increasingly reserved over these days, giving him an air of detachment, but it was also evident that the soldiers in the entire army were growing more convinced and reliant on him. When encountering the refugees once again, even if they felt sympathy, the soldiers could maintain stern faces, marching day and night without glancing aside.
The more rational the commander, the more he considered the bigger picture, the more the soldiers feared him, and the stricter the military discipline became.
The deputy mulled over these thoughts, filled with a sense of admiration.
Xue Yuan was only twenty-four years old, yet he managed to maintain such clear-headed cruelty when faced with suffering refugees, whom one couldn’t help but feel compassion for. How did he manage to uphold this chilling demeanor?
Or perhaps the trials and tribulations Xue Yuan had experienced in the past were even more brutal than the scene unfolding before them?
Lost in his contemplations, Xue Yuan glanced at the sky and succinctly ordered, “Notify the troops that we will rest here tonight.”
The command spread, followed by a rising murmur in the rear. Having finally found a clean river today, their water supplies had been dwindling over the past days. Xue Yuan had arranged for people to fetch water from the river in shifts to replenish their stores. The scattered sentries hastened their way over, reporting, “General, the number of refugees trailing behind us is increasing.”
Xue Yuan responded, “Let them follow.”
Whatever the commander said, the soldiers would follow. Not only did the deputy admire Xue Yuan, but the sentries also listened to him wholeheartedly. They efficiently acknowledged the order and mounted their horses before continuing to survey the surroundings.
Fortunately, these refugees were in awe of the imposing presence of the tens of thousands of soldiers, only daring to keep their distance from behind. They didn’t dare provoke them up close.
As they approached the northern border, Xue Yuan spoke less and less. His expression grew heavy, occasionally revealing a softened look, but it vanished as soon as it appeared. Before any longing could emerge in his eyes, the desolate disaster zone obliterated it entirely.
The deputy suggested, “Sir, shall we wash up together?”
Xue Yuan clapped his hands and nodded. “Let’s go.”
The deputy cast a glance behind him. The refugees were resting at a distance. Due to the incident of aiding the refugees earlier, the soldiers had become wary of them. Even at such a distance, these soldiers remained fully alert. They had instinctively moved closer to the supply carts and were guarding them quietly.
Xue Yuan glanced in their direction and said nothing. The deputy smiled wryly and added, “I understand your intentions, sir. These rations are meant for the border troops. We have no authority to distribute them. Only General Xue has the right to use these rations to aid the refugees. If they manage to follow us to the northern border, it might be a glimmer of hope for them.”
With that said, the deputy’s expression turned somewhat worried. “Although our food supplies are sufficient, I still have concerns. What if we reduce the soldiers’ rations a bit and make plans for after we reach the northern border?”
During their conversation, the two individuals had already arrived at the riverside. They washed their faces downstream, and Xue Yuan remarked, “No need for formalities, let’s just eat like this.”
After years of marching, Xue Yuan, who rarely had a satisfying meal, never anticipated the day he would utter such words. He couldn’t help but chuckle as droplets of water from his face dripped along his sharp jawline. “The Emperor is behind us, and the provisions are undoubtedly sufficient.”
This was no longer the situation of years past. Gu Yuanbai, Xue Yuan believed in Gu Yuanbai.
*
Unbeknownst to the frontline commanders, a hundred thousand ducks were on their way to the northern border.
Not only ducks, but also a portion of this year’s harvest. In order to express their gratitude to the Emperor and their loyalty, these influential figures were incredibly self-aware. Among them, a few even went to extravagant lengths, astonishingly contributing substantial amounts.
When these reports reached Gu Yuanbai’s ears, he couldn’t help but sigh. He personally picked up a brush and wrote the characters “For the Nation, For the People,” sending these inscriptions as rewards to these magnanimous individuals.
To receive the Emperor’s calligraphy, what a tremendous honor. The recipients of these rewards felt a hidden joy in their hearts, walking with a certain swagger that attracted admiration. Moreover, those who contributed to combating the northern locust plague would receive copper, silver, and gold medals from the court, distributed according to their levels of contribution. Their names and hometowns would be recorded by the government. Once the locust plague subsided, their names would be engraved on stone tablets for the people to admire.
With such actions underway, merchants large and small couldn’t sit still.
For several days, the Ministry of Revenue was bustling. When they finally regained their composure, the envoys who had come to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday had all departed, leaving behind a lone envoy from Western Xia with a request concerning Da Heng.
After the Minister of Revenue and Gu Yuanbai had finished reporting on important matters, the topic of the Western Xia trading post was also brought up. “Your Majesty, the mutual trade with Western Xia has been suspended for three months now. The Western Xia envoy is growing anxious and has already sent gifts to officials of the Ministry of Revenue.”
“Is that so?” Gu Yuanbai mused, “Looking at their prince’s demeanor, they seem rather leisurely.”
The Minister of Revenue could only laugh and cry, acknowledging the Emperor’s astute observation.
“Let’s keep them waiting a bit longer and see what else Western Xia can offer,” Gu Yuanbai chuckled with a hint of significance, “I don’t have the time to deal with them right now. If they wish to present gifts, you may accept them. It’s a good opportunity to gauge the extent of Western Xia’s offerings to Da Heng.”
He shook his head as he continued, “They’ve sent me such lavish gifts, yet they still have surplus funds for extravagant living in Da Heng, not to mention sending things to your residence… Western Xia is certainly quite wealthy.”
The Minister of Revenue hadn’t considered this angle previously, but now, following the Emperor’s words, he came around. He thought for a moment and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Indeed, Western Xia is truly affluent.”
After exchanging sighs, the two, Emperor and minister, continued their conversation. The Minister of Revenue eventually took his leave. Gu Yuanbai looked at the sky outside, then suddenly remarked, “General Xue has been away for over three months, and even Xue Yuan has been gone for more than a month.”
Tian Fusheng calculated the time and respectfully agreed, “Indeed, Your Majesty.”
Gu Yuanbai let out a sigh, “The doors, the gates. The women, wives, and mothers of the Xue family must be feeling incredibly lonely.”
Tian Fusheng offered reassurance, “Your Majesty, you’ve taken care of the Xue family on various occasions, and you’ve issued edicts for Lady Xue and Madam Xue. The City Magistrate of the capital also frequently sends patrols past the Xue residence. Despite the fact that it’s an all-female household, no one dares to approach and mistreat them.”
Gu Yuanbai nodded slightly and cast a sidelong glance at the two wolves lying by the table. He rubbed his forehead and said, “Make the arrangements. Tomorrow, I will personally visit the Xue residence, accompanied by the Minister of War and the Chancellor of the Secretariat. Select two or three officials who have a good relationship with General Xue for this trip as well.”
Tian Fusheng replied, “Understood.”
*
On the second day, the Emperor arrived at the Xue residence in person, accompanied by his officials.
Both the Xue family and certain military officers breathed a sigh of relief due to this visit.
Gu Yuanbai had arranged for Xue Yuan to distribute provisions for a few reasons. First, he was suitable for the task. Second, it was a way for Gu Yuanbai to convey to General Xue that by sending his son to deliver supplies, he demonstrated trust and support. He was General Xue’s firm backing.
However, there were always individuals who let their imaginations run wild. They speculated that this move indicated the Emperor’s apprehension about the Xue family and saw it as an opportunity to eliminate both father and son.
These individuals greatly underestimated Gu Yuanbai’s magnanimity and breadth of character, mistakenly portraying him as weak-willed. Now that the Emperor had personally arrived with high-ranking officials to console the Xue family, these people realized the Emperor had no such intentions.
Tears flowed freely from the eyes of Old Lady Xue as she was soothingly comforted by the Emperor, “To be able to serve the Emperor is a blessing, even if it means death. It’s a stroke of luck for the father and son.”
Gu Yuanbai chuckled and shook his head, remarking, “Madam Xue, your words are quite solemn. This battle is not a difficult one. General Xue and his son are sure to bring us a great victory.”
His tone was gentle, yet the calmness in his voice conveyed an undeniable assurance, making it incredibly convincing.
After soothing the Xue family members, Gu Yuanbai was led on a tour of the Xue residence. After a while, he suddenly remembered, “Where is Xue Jiuyao’s room?”
Chang Yuyan had once said that the books in Xue Yuan’s room outnumbered the entire collection in his own study. Gu Yuanbai was genuinely curious about this claim.
The young servant of the Xue household quickly led the way and brought Gu Yuanbai to Xue Yuan’s room. The others stayed outside while Gu Yuanbai entered the room alone. As he stepped inside, he indeed saw numerous neatly arranged books.
He raised an eyebrow slightly, approached, and casually pulled out a book to flip through. The pages were clean and orderly, devoid of any signs of being previously opened.
Gu Yuanbai placed the book back and pulled out several military texts one after another. The results were the same. Not only were there no annotations or markings that indicated they had been read, but the books also emitted the fresh ink aroma characteristic of new volumes, as if they had just been printed.
Was this the cultured individual from the legends?
Sitting behind the desk, Gu Yuanbai randomly flipped through a few pages of the book in his hand, wondering if Xue Yuan hadn’t read a single book from this entire wall.
Upon reflection, Xue Yuan had actually personally told Gu Yuanbai that he was a coarse person and hadn’t read many books.
But according to Chang Yuyan’s claims, Xue Yuan seemed like an entirely different person, hiding his true self beneath a calm exterior.
Which portrayal was the truth?
As Gu Yuanbai flipped through the pages, preparing to return the book, he accidentally kicked something with the tip of his shoe. Bending down to look, he found a roughly made swallow-shaped kite under the desk.
It was the same one that Xue Yuan had shown him before.
Gu Yuanbai didn’t hesitate to pick it up. Turning it over, he saw a line of bold characters written on the kite:
“If there’s no thunder to strike the crown, then the emperor will come to my embrace.”
**************
Thank for tge update
*Sigh* I really do admire Xue Yuan