Wish You All the Best - Chapter 97

Chapter 97

A moment later, the guard emerged and bowed. "Master Pei, Commissioner Hu says he is occupied with pressing military matters and has no time to see you. If you truly have something important, you must wait; he will see you once he is finished."

Pei You’an frowned slightly. After a moment of thought, he murmured a polite "sorry for the trouble" and stood to one side.

People filed in and out of the main gate. Occasionally, some would glance at the solitary Pei You’an standing there, but no one recognized him. Everyone was hurried, caught in the chaos of military mobilization.

The two guards occasionally stole glances at this young, refined man. Even now, they found it hard to believe that the world-renowned statesman, whose name was on everyone’s lips, could look like such a humble scholar, standing so close to them and waiting for the Commissioner’s summons. Though he wore simple cloth robes, his bearing and his willingness to lower himself were sights they had never seen in their lives. They felt an overwhelming sense of reverence and were more than willing to follow his commands. After waiting for the time it takes to burn two incense sticks, seeing him show signs of growing impatience, the guard—without waiting for Pei to speak—volunteered to go in and ask again. When he returned, however, his head hung low, and he stammered, unable to speak.

Pei You’an was a man of keen intellect; he knew the guard must have received a harsh reprimand.

If this were a trivial matter, waiting would be of no consequence. But this concerned the safety of the city. Furthermore, he had long ago guessed that even if Hu Liangcai had the time, he would not necessarily be willing to see him, and that the previous excuses were just a facade. He patted the guard’s arm. "I am sorry you were scolded on my behalf. I have an urgent matter that cannot be delayed; I will see him myself. If he blames you, tell him I broke in by force." With that, he strode boldly inside.

Pei You’an knew the layout of the Commissioner’s residence by heart. He headed straight for the deliberation hall and pushed the door open. Inside, Hu Liangcai was arranging troops and formations with his vice-generals,参领 (canling),游击 (youji), and advisors. Hearing the doors pushed open behind him, he turned to see Pei You’an standing in the doorway. He was startled, then his face darkened. "How did you get in here? Didn't I send word for you to wait?"

Pei You’an bowed. "Apologies, Commissioner Hu. Because the matter is critical, I acted presumptuously and forced my way in. I beg you to spare a moment; I have a matter of great importance to convey."

None of the colonels and youji in the hall were unaware of Pei You’an’s name. Apart from Advisor Yang, this was the first time any of them had seen him in person. Seeing him appear so suddenly, they were all shocked and turned to look at him.

Hu Liangcai glanced around, and seeing the surprise on everyone’s faces and the fact that Pei You’an was treating him with such deference in front of his subordinates, he felt a sense of satisfaction. He nodded. "What is so sensitive that it must be hidden? Speak here. I am a busy man!"

"Commissioner Hu, I have heard that you have received word that the Hu and Hui tribes have colluded to mobilize one hundred thousand men to attack Arrow Gate Pass, aiming to breach the frontier. But Commissioner Hu, if you look back at history, the Hu tribes have always launched major invasions during the spring and summer—every major battle in the past has been this way. Now, in the dead of winter, the northern lands are buried in ice and snow, and not a blade of grass grows. Even if their troops are well-prepared and fear no cold, where is the road for them to travel? And what is the food source for their warhorses? The Hu people’s style of warfare is different from ours; they have never had granaries, they carry light supplies, and they rely on speed and 'feeding the war by war,' raiding along the way to sustain their armies. Arrow Gate is a long, arduous journey. In this bitter winter, for them to mobilize a massive force to attack is contrary to all logic; you must not be so easily swayed. My deduction is that the Hu tribes are baiting our main army to Arrow Gate, intending to raid our borders while they are left empty. If our main force leaves for Arrow Gate, I fear we will be stretched thin and unable to defend both."

Pei You’an looked at the crowd.

"However, since the report has come, we cannot afford not to be prepared. In my humble opinion, you should notify the garrison generals at Yanyun to defend Arrow Gate while keeping the main force stationed here at the border. We should bolster the defenses of Su Ye, Jinai, and other cities to prevent raids by light cavalry. What does the Commissioner think?"

When he finished, the hall was deathly silent. Hu Liangcai scanned the room and saw his subordinates staring at Pei You’an. He exploded in anger. "Pei You’an! You admitted yourself that this is all just your deduction. How dare you be so certain and attempt to interfere with my command? I have an unshakeable source of information; there is no mistake! If I listen to you and keep the army here, and the Hu tribes break through Arrow Gate, who will take the blame?"

Pei You’an took a step forward. "The Commissioner is right, which is why I urge you to inform the Yanyun garrisons to be prepared just in case. But we must not leave the border cities undefended!"

Since arriving, Hu Liangcai had lacked any major military achievements and felt quite frustrated. He was a man who knew how to use means, and in the past two years, he had sent many spies into the Hu lands. This report had come from one of his trusted spies. After receiving it, he had sent others to verify it, and they reported that a large Hu force had indeed assembled, with the vanguard heading toward Arrow Gate. He was absolutely convinced.

Arrow Gate Pass was of critical importance; if it were breached, he would be facing a capital offense. But if he could repel the Hu tribes there, it would be a massive achievement. He was obsessed with gaining merit and feared that the Yanyun generals would receive the news and steal his glory. Therefore, he was preparing to march at full speed and mobilize by the next morning. How could he listen to anything now? He sneered, "Enough! You are nothing but a commoner now; attend to your supply yard and keep your mouth shut regarding military affairs! If you do not leave immediately, do not blame me for arresting you for disrupting military operations!"

Pei You’an met his gaze for a moment, seeing the sneer and the arrogance on his face. He bowed and turned to leave. On his way to the main gate, he heard a voice calling him. He turned to see the Advisor surnamed Yang—the same one who had visited the supply yard—rushing to catch up. Pei stopped.

Advisor Yang approached, bowed deeply, and whispered, "Master Pei, to be honest, when I first heard the news, I also found it suspicious. I advised the Commissioner to think twice, but he wouldn't listen and instead scolded me for being cowardly. Because he insisted the source was reliable, I didn't dare to insist further. Having heard your words just now, I agree with you deeply. Though I am but a mediocre advisor working for my bread, I was once a scholar, and my desire to serve the country has never died. This matter is of grave importance, concerning the safety of thousands of civilians and soldiers. Master, your talent is unparalleled in the country, and I have always admired you. I know you will not let this drop. If you have any use for me, please do not hesitate to command. I am willing to serve you with my life!"

...

Before the fifth watch of the next day, while the sky was still pitch black, horns sounded across the training grounds of the military camp outside Su Ye City. Torches blazed. Before the camp gate, the main army was sharpening blades and preparing shields. According to the original plan, only a small number of troops were to remain for defense, while the rest—led by various vice-generals and adjutants—had already finished organizing their ranks, waiting for the commander to arrive, offer sacrifices to the banners, and set off for Arrow Gate.

The fifth watch arrived, but Hu Liangcai was nowhere to be seen. They waited, but there was no movement. The soldiers began to grow confused.

Hu Liangyou saw that his brother was late and feared the morale of the army would waver. He was just about to send someone into the city to see what was happening when he saw a group of several hundred riders approaching from the direction of the city gate. Torches flickered as they galloped toward the camp gate. Thinking it was his brother, he was overjoyed and ordered the drums to sound in welcome. But when the riders arrived, a man galloped ahead, held an object high in his arm, and shouted, "The Commander’s Seal is here! Hear my order: all troops are to return to their barracks in orderly fashion!"

The man was Li Rui. He had been at the frontier for years, formerly holding the rank of vice-general, and was a quick-witted, valiant soldier who commanded the respect of the troops. After Hu Liangcai arrived, because Li Rui was a former subordinate of the Duke of Wei, he had been repeatedly suppressed and demoted to a youji. Naturally, he was not invited on this campaign, but ordered to stay behind with five hundred men.

Hu Liangyou was shocked and charged forward in a rage. "Li Rui, do you want to rebel? How dare you pass a false commander’s order! Why is the Seal in your hands? Where is my brother? Where is he?"

Li Rui shouted for his men to seize him. A dozen men swarmed out and quickly captured Hu Liangyou, locking him into a military wooden cangue with a snap. Hu Liangyou struggled furiously, cursing nonstop.

This turn of events was so sudden that it wasn't until Hu Liangyou was locked up that his cronies among the colonels regained their senses. They drew their swords, moved to surround Li Rui, and ordered him to release the prisoner. Just as swords were drawn and tensions peaked, a rider arrived from the direction of the city gate, galloping into the camp and stopping between the two sides.

The newcomer held the reins and sat tall atop a majestic black stallion. His expression was solemn. His gaze swept over the row of shouting colonels. His two eyes were as sharp as lightning. Despite his simple cloth robes, his imposing presence and magnificent bearing felt like a crushing weight.

Someone recognized him and let out a startled cry: "Pei You’an!"

The rest were stunned, frozen in place. The rank-and-file soldiers in the vicinity began to stir, whispering, standing on their toes, and craning their necks to catch a glimpse.

Pei You’an dismounted. Under the gaze of the multitude, he walked quickly toward the reviewing stand. He climbed the stairs lined with torches, stood upon the platform, faced the army, and scanned the ranks. With a burst of breath, he shouted, "Hu Liangcai has been stripped of his command. I, Pei You’an, shall temporarily assume his post. From the high-ranking officers down to the common soldiers, obey this order: return to your barracks immediately and await further instructions!" His voice contained an inherent authority, deafening and resonant, carrying clearly to every corner of the camp.

The ground in front of the barracks was silent. Regardless of the rank-and-file soldiers, even the trusted cronies of the Hu brothers were shaken by Pei You’an’s presence. They looked at each other, not daring to stir.

Hu Liangyou, though shackled, refused to admit defeat. He broke free from the two soldiers holding him and shouted sharply, "Pei You’an, you haven't been an official for a long time! How dare you use the tiger’s prestige to bully people here! By what right do you command the army in my brother’s stead? You are delaying a military mission; aren't you afraid of the court’s retribution later? I am a dignified Fourth-Rank Dragon-Might Vice-General of the Imperial Court; what crime have I committed? You publicly humiliated me before the army today and shackled me—when the time comes, it won't be so easy to remove that shackle from your own neck!"

As he finished speaking, a group of several hundred cronies joined him in shouting, and Hu Liangyou shook his shackles, making a clattering noise.

Pei You’an descended from the platform and walked up to Hu Liangyou. He smiled slightly. "Vice-General Hu, if I want to remove your shackles, what difficulty is there in that?" The smile remained on his lips as he turned his head and shouted, "Men! Cut off his head and remove the shackles!"

Hu Liangyou had been triumphant, thinking Pei You’an was about to remove his own shackles. He never dreamed the man would suddenly turn cold and have him beheaded. Seeing Li Rui draw his sword and step forward, Hu Liangyou turned deathly pale. He struggled fiercely, but was forced to the ground by others. Before he could react, a flash of cold light descended. His neck felt a chill, his head separated from his shoulders, and the shackles hit the ground with a clang. A fountain of blood sprayed several feet high, instantly staining the snow red.

Li Rui picked up the head and shouted, "Hu Liangyou has long violated military discipline, and today he resisted a direct order. He has been executed on the spot to serve as a warning to all!"

The cronies of the Hu brothers, seeing Pei You’an execute Hu Liangyou with such casual ease, were all struck with terror. When they saw his smiling gaze turn back toward them, they didn't dare move an inch. They were soon disarmed by Li Rui’s men and captured without a fight. The remaining officers and soldiers, who had long been dissatisfied with Hu Liangyou using his brother’s position to throw his weight around, were all delighted to see him beheaded. Furthermore, they all held the power of the Pei father-and-son in high esteem; who would dare to be unconvinced? They knelt before Pei You’an, shouting, "We follow Master Pei’s lead and pledge to serve with our lives!" The other soldiers followed suit, their roars shaking the training ground, their blood boiling with fervor.

Pei You’an took temporary custody of the Commander’s Seal, ordered Li Rui and others to return to the city with him, told the soldiers to return to their camps to await orders, and sent scouts to report the situation to the generals in Yanyun. He led his party back to the city to deliberate in the Commissioner's residence; by this time, dawn was just breaking.

Pei You’an was busy until late at night. Most matters were initially arranged, and the various generals received their orders.

In the supply yard, although Yang Yun had been left in charge, calculating the time, including this night, it had been a day and two nights since he had last seen Jiafu. Pei You’an was worried about her and feared she would be anxious for him. He finished explaining his instructions and, ignoring everyone’s attempts to have him stay, left Su Ye City at the fourth watch. Using the light reflected by the snow, he galloped his horse, the cold wind whipping against his face, shattering the ice on countless wild paths. Finally, at daybreak, he arrived back at the supply yard.

In Su Ye City, the tide had turned, but here in the wilderness, his home of a year remained as quiet as ever. In the faint dawn, the surroundings were completely still.

Pei You’an gazed at the snow-covered roofs of the low houses in the distance and felt a sense of warmth. He rode toward the gate, but saw a person standing in the snow with a bag slung over their arm. They must have traveled through the night, having arrived only a short time ago. The person seemed to be hesitating whether to knock, looking left and right. Suddenly hearing the sound of hooves, they turned, recognized Pei You’an, and their face lit up with joy. They started to run, but slipped and fell. Ignoring the pain, they scrambled up and ran toward the road, then knelt flat in the middle of the path and kowtowed. "Master Pei! Your servant, Cui Yinshui, has come to serve you and the Madam. From now on, I am the property of you and the Madam, ready to obey any order!"

Pei You’an’s expression remained indifferent, as if he hadn't seen the person. He did not slow his horse, galloping straight toward the kneeling Cui Yinshui. Seeing the impending collision, Cui Yinshui didn't dare dodge; he lay there, gritting his teeth and waiting for the horse’s hooves. Unexpectedly, the horse leaped cleanly over his head and stopped directly in front of the gate.

Old Ding heard Pei You’an calling to be let in and hurried to open the door. Cui Yinshui steadied his frayed nerves, scrambled up from the ground, and chased after him. "Master Pei—"

"Go back. I have no need for your service here."

Pei You’an sat upon his horse without looking back. He spoke once, ordered Old Ding to close the door, and rode inside.