The Splendor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 70 My Path Is Not Alone
Xiao Yi and Guo Xin exchanged a glance and had no choice but to stay and wait.

After everyone had left, Guo Wei looked at them, his gaze softening.

Why did you clash with the generals so soon after joining the army?

Guo Xin naturally assumed the conversation was about him and said, "Father, did General Chen file a complaint? There's no battlefield without danger..."

"I didn't say anything about you."

"Oh."

Guo Xin breathed a sigh of relief, then suddenly looked at Xiao Yi in surprise and asked, "Could it be you? Who could you possibly not get along with?"

Xiao Yi bowed and said, "I have failed your high expectations."

Guo Wei looked at Xiao Yi with piercing eyes and said, "Soldiers under your command who violate military law must be punished. But you also violate military law by using private punishment to kill people. Chen Guanghui said that you are too murderous, and He Fujin also thinks that you are too rigid and easily broken. According to their opinion, you should be relieved of your military post and go to Wei Renpu's camp to be tempered."

"Father, Xiao Yi, he..."

"And you, I say you're too sharp-edged, greedy for merit and rash, you should also become a clerk."

"I followed General Li's orders completely..."

Guo Wei glanced at him, and Guo Xin's words caught in his throat.

Xiao Yi understood immediately. This was He Fujin and Chen Guanghui's response to his unauthorized killing of Xu Sheng, but Guo Wei had not yet given the order.

“My lord, I know that General He and Commander Chen meant well, but the 20th Battalion is newly established and it is inevitable that they need time to work together. How can we give up in less than three days? I request to stay.”

Guo Wei, without looking up from the map, said, "Are military laws not child's play? You may kill Xu Sheng today out of righteous indignation, but tomorrow, may your subordinates kill you out of dissent?"

Xiao Yi's heart tightened, and he said in a deep voice, "This subordinate is willing to sign a military pledge! If the 20th Battalion fails to maintain strict military discipline and be capable of fighting, this subordinate is willing to accept military punishment without complaint!"

"The commander wants to get rid of you, are you going to insist on staying?"

Xiao Yi gradually realized that Guo Wei was not actually angry about this, and even supported the rectification of military discipline. So he simply and directly replied: "Military matters are the simplest. What's the point of Chen Guanghui coming to complain about me? Why not have a match with me and settle the score with fists and feet?"

“That’s right!” Guo Xin immediately chimed in, saying, “He’s so soft and coquettish, like a girl. Let him fight Xiao Yi. Whoever wins, the Twentieth Battalion will have the final say.”

"Is the Heavenly Army a child's play?!"

Guo Wei casually cursed, saying, "I have no patience to watch you two fight like this. In the army, you can't stand on your own two feet. Considering this is your first offense and that you did a good job escorting someone, I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself. After we capture Kaifeng, we'll see who can command more respect and who has more merit before making a final decision. Is that fair?"

Xiao Yi knew that these words, though seemingly fair, were actually biased towards him.

He hasn't been transferred yet; once Kaifeng is captured, he and Chen Guanghui will both be promoted, and perhaps then there will be no more competition between them.

At the same time, Guo Wei also admonished him that the most important things in the army are merit and respect for the people.

Although not explicitly stated, it conveys the meaning of care and nurturing.

"I will obey Your Excellency's command and will certainly strive to move forward."

"Go, appease the troops, and let your military achievements speak for themselves."

"Here!"

After the two left the Marshal's Mansion, Guo Xin muttered, "It would have been so much more enjoyable to have a fight. My father always has so many rules."

"It's easy to defeat Chen Guanghui, but difficult to make him submit, and even more difficult to make the entire command truly convinced."

"What should I do?"

"Your Excellency has made it very clear: military achievements and strength."

Xiao Yi looked up at the dark night sky and felt a new challenge.

Fortunately, he knew how to proceed, even if the road ahead was full of thorns.

The two walked out of the main hall of the Marshal's Mansion, but encountered a man in the front yard. He was handsome and refined, and it was Song Yanwo.

"Saburo."

"Marshal Song?" Guo Xin was taken aback, then blurted out, "You haven't left yet?"

"I live here."

"Oh, yes, this is your residence."

Although Guo Xin did not intend to mock, he did offend quite a few people.

Song Yanwo was not offended and smiled to defuse the awkwardness, saying, "I have prepared some wine in the warm pavilion in the back garden. I would like to invite Sanlang and Commander Xiao to have a drink together. What do you say?"

"Marshal Song, you're too kind."

Xiao Yi was somewhat surprised that he knew him, which showed that he was very well-informed.

Guo Xin couldn't refuse, so he said, "Let's go."

The front courtyard of the Marshal's Mansion was occupied by Guo Wei. Passing through the gate to the back garden, it was still quiet and isolated from the grim atmosphere outside.

Stepping into a small pavilion, one is greeted by warmth and elegant furnishings, where every table and couch reveals meticulous craftsmanship.

The three took their seats as host and guest, and a maid quietly entered to pour wine and add dishes.

"My courtesy name is Zhongjian. We are all young people, so we can address each other as equals. Do you have courtesy names?"

"No, I only have a nickname, Yi-ge'er."

"I do not have either."

"It's alright. It's fate that I can drink with Sanlang and Xiaolang tonight." Song Yanwo raised his wine cup and said, "I'll drink first as a sign of respect."

Guo Xin leaned closer to Xiao Yi and asked, "It's not poisonous, is it?"

Xiao Yi did not answer, but raised his cup and took a sip.

Guo Xin looked embarrassed, took a sip of the wine, and praised, "Good wine, tastes really good, but a bit bland."

"I still have military affairs to attend to tomorrow. How about we drink some strong liquor together after we enter Kaifeng?"

"Are you going to Kaifeng too?"

"Lord Guo is acting on the orders of Heaven to punish the rebels, and I should follow him closely."

Guo Xin asked curiously, "But aren't you the emperor's brother-in-law?"

Song Yanwo said, "The Emperor has been deceived by treacherous officials, and even I feel indignant for Lord Guo. This is a clear indication of the people's discontent."

Guo Xin pursed his lips, as if he felt that the words were not sincere, and said, "When we came to attack, you even dismantled the bridge."

“The Northern army arrived too quickly.” Song Yanwo smiled bitterly and said, “I haven’t even seen Lord Guo’s banner yet, and the scouts have already arrived at the city. I don’t know the situation, so how dare I open the gates? If they send grain to the Khitan, I will die a hundred times to atone for it. The only way to save the lives of the people in the city is to destroy the bridges and cut off the roads and wait and see. This is a last resort, and I hope you will understand.”

Xiao Yi thought to himself, since Song Yanwo was the emperor's brother-in-law and had such good eyes and ears, he might have known that the emperor had sent someone to assassinate Guo Wei. When he dismantled the bridge, he was just watching to see if Guo Wei was still alive. As a result, Li Rong directly attacked the city of Huazhou. The initiative to surrender turned into a passive surrender, which was indeed a surprise.

Thinking about all this, he didn't realize that his expression had changed, but Song Yanwo noticed it.

"Does Xiao Lang believe what I say?" Xiao Yi said, "I believe that Brother Zhongjian is sincerely loyal to you, but I don't know why?"

This means that he didn't believe, at least not, the platitudes that "the treacherous ministers have deceived him, and he is indignant on behalf of Lord Guo."

Song Yanwo countered, "I heard from Sanlang that Xiao Lang is determined to go north to join Lord Guo. Why is that?"

"I was entrusted by Madam Chai to keep my promise."

"Don't you think that Master Guo is capable of achieving great things?"

"Yes." Xiao Yi didn't hide anything and asked, "Where is Brother Zhongjian?"

“Same.” Song Yanwo raised his cup and said, “An Chongrong once said, ‘The emperor should be the one with the strongest army and the most powerful horses. Is it because of hereditary privilege?’ Although this statement is not appropriate, if we talk about who has the strongest army and the most powerful horses in the world, Guo Gong’s military achievements in pacifying the three towns are worth 100,000 troops.”

Xiao Yi immediately became interested in the conversation.

He joined Guo Wei because of his understanding of the general historical context. Others said Guo Wei was strong, but none of them could explain why. For example, Wang Chengxun felt that Wang Yin's strength was no less than Guo Wei's.

Seeing that he was interested, Song Yanwo began to talk at length. Later, he took his cup and approached the table, dipped his finger in the wine, and drew a map on the table.

"The rebellion in the three towns, Hezhong, Yongxing, and Fengxiang, formed a pincer movement, further exacerbated by their secret alliance with the Khitan. If the war dragged on, they would be caught in a pincer attack. Guo Gong, with a hastily assembled army, fought their elite forces, encircling, intimidating, and pacifying them, defeating them one by one, and pacifying the three towns in less than a year. His military tactics were like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox, penetrating the gaps between seemingly insignificant parts with effortless ease. No one in the imperial court could surpass him. The Han dynasty relied on Guo Gong as a pillar, but alas, the emperor failed to see this."

Xiao Yi knew the facts before, but only now does he understand the reasons. Song Yanwo's insight is unique, far surpassing that of Shi Dechong and Wang Chengxun.

“What’s even more remarkable is that,” Song Yanwo said, “Guo Gong ordered ‘not to disturb the people’ during his rebellion. Among the powerful warlords, I have never seen anyone do these four words better than Guo Gong.”

In short, Xiao Yi was certain that Song Yanwo would not betray Guo Wei, and raised his glass.

The two exchanged a smile and drank their wine.

It was clear that Song Yanwo wanted to get closer to Guo Xin, but chatting with that hothead was really boring. Gradually, he started talking more with Xiao Yi about current affairs.

When Xiao Yi occasionally offered a unique insight, Song Yanwo would clap his hands in admiration.

After drinking four or five cups, Xiao Yi suddenly noticed a detail.

The maidservant who served Song Yanwo wine was very beautiful.

Although all the maids in the pavilion were beautiful, she alone stood out with her outstanding temperament and dignified demeanor, making her stand out even among the beauties.

She wore a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and her hair was styled in a double-looped bun, adorned with a pearl-studded hairpin that remained perfectly still no matter how she moved.

Song Yanwo had just dipped his finger in wine, so it was probably sticky. He raised his hand to indicate this, but the maid didn't notice and was secretly looking at Guo Xin with a slightly disgusted expression.

"Clean your hands."

Song Yanwo had no choice but to speak up and remind him.

The maid then turned around to find a handkerchief and casually placed it on the table. Song Yanwo didn't say anything and used water to wet and wipe his hands.

In that small movement, Xiao Yi noticed that what was slightly visible under her skirt was a pair of cloud-patterned brocade shoes embroidered with lotus patterns, and a round pearl embroidered on the toe of each shoe.

Looking at her hands, her ten fingers were slender, her nails were neatly trimmed and rounded, with a faint pink hue, showing no signs of hard work.

The next moment, the maid seemed to sense Xiao Yi's gaze, turned around, glanced at him, and her eyes showed a hint of majesty and nobility.

Xiao Yi seemed to understand something and had a guess in his mind. He continued drinking and chatting, ignoring her.

During the conversation, a scholar-like aide quietly entered and whispered something in Song Yanwo's ear.

"Let's adopt those two orphans."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi's heart stirred, and he turned to look at Song Yanwo.

Their eyes met, and Song Yanwo made no attempt to hide his thoughts, saying, "When Lord Guo entered the city, he promised not to disturb the people, and he has kept his word. Although there was some disturbance, it is truly rare in this day and age. In addition, I heard that Young Master Xiao dealt with a captain according to military law today?"

"Yes, the 20th Battalion was newly formed. I was not strict in disciplining the troops, which led to the officers under my command killing two people. I should apologize to Brother Zhongjian."

Song Yanwo asked, "You're new to the army and have a low rank. Aren't you afraid of being ostracized for doing this?"

"What does right and wrong have to do with seniority or position? If one only learns to cherish the people after reaching a high position, isn't that just self-interest and putting on an act?"

"it is good!"

Song Yanwo felt no offense; instead, a glint of light flashed in his eyes as he declared loudly, "A thousand yes-men are not as good as one outspoken man. Young Master Xiao, your courage and chivalry deserve a toast!"

"Brother Xie Zhongjian, please don't blame me."

“I am not alone on this path,” Song Yanwo remarked with emotion.

Xiao Yi had heard many people say he was wrong and would be isolated all night, but this glass of wine brought him a little warmth. Of course, Guo Wei's attitude was his greatest source of confidence and a deeper interpretation of "I am not alone in my path."

Although he had a pleasant conversation with Song Yanwo, he glanced at the sky and said, "We still have to cross the river tomorrow, so Sanlang and I will take our leave now."

"I'm still not satisfied," Song Yanwo said with emotion, raising his glass and saying, "Let's drink one last cup."

Xiao Yi picked up the wine pot, but it was empty.

Just as he was about to ask Guo Xin for some wine, he suddenly heard a woman's clear and beautiful voice.

"I will pour wine for Xiao Lang."

Turning around, I saw the elegant maidservant carrying a wine pot, walking gracefully towards me.

She was as bright as the moon, and Guo Xin subconsciously avoided her gaze out of shame, while Xiao Yi naturally picked up his empty cup and let her fill it with wine.

Drink it all in one gulp.

He put down his cup, stood up, bowed in farewell, and prepared to leave with Guo Xin.

Even in the presence of nobles who had been royalty for generations, he remained neither servile nor arrogant, and his demeanor was graceful and unrestrained…

"Hey, let's pack these meat and vegetables and take them home," Guo Xin exclaimed. "They'll taste amazing to the brothers in the 20th Battalion."

Xiao Yi paused in his steps.

He hadn't thought of that, and nodded, saying, "Take it all."

"This braised donkey meat is delicious..."

The cold wind howled outside the warm pavilion, making one wish to crawl back inside immediately.

As they left the Marshal's Mansion, a rough voice came from the side gate of the inverted room.

"Hey, why didn't you wait for me?"

Zhang Mantun ran out and muttered, "I've been waiting for you guys for ages. The other generals finished their meetings and left long ago, but you guys got scolded. Why did it take so long? Isn't Guo Que'er busy? Hmm... smell of alcohol."

"Hehe, not only is there wine, but also meat. Try this braised donkey meat, it's delicious."

(End of this chapter)