Chapter 46: Nanling (1)

Nanling Commandery was currently the most contentious region in the world. Following the Great Liang’s crushing defeat last year, Gao Wei’s forces had surged forward, seizing control of Nanqiao, Longkang, Anfeng, and several other commanderies. Now, their troops were stationed on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, separated from Nanling by only a river’s breadth.

The commander leading Gao Wei’s forces was Gu Juhan, the eldest son of Duke Yan. At just twenty-three years old, he had already achieved fame through his remarkable feats during last year’s battles, nearly decapitating Han Shouye, the highest-ranking military official of Great Liang. His achievements had startled the entire realm, and now he personally oversaw the northern camp, waiting for an opportune moment to breach the defenses of Great Liang’s borderlands and march southward toward Jiankang.

The mighty Yangtze River roared ceaselessly, its waves audible even within the general’s tent. But at this moment, the clamor of voices drowned out the sound of the tides as the generals convened to deliberate.

A bearded general cursed furiously: “Damn those cowards of the Liang Kingdom! We’ve been guarding this place day and night, shouting insults across the river every day, daring them to come out and fight. Yet those spineless fools pretend they can’t hear us? It’s infuriating!”

This general was named Guo Man, an old retainer of the former Duke Yan. Although Gu Juhan was naturally gifted as a leader, he was still young and inexperienced. To ensure his safety, the old duke had assigned his fiercest generals, like Guo Man, to assist his eldest son.

As soon as Guo Man finished speaking, the assembled generals erupted in anger.

Their frustration was understandable.

Although Wei had won the Battle of Shicheng last year, reinforcements from Great Liang later recaptured the city. Since then, the two armies had been locked in a months-long standoff. Shicheng was a critical stronghold on the southern bank of the Yangtze, fortified with towering walls and deep moats, further protected by the natural barrier of the river. If the Liang army chose to remain entrenched, even the ferocious forces of Wei would struggle to breach its defenses.

The Liang army was weak and lacked capable commanders. If they dared to engage in battle, their defeat would be inevitable. For months, Wei’s generals had taken turns leading their troops to the riverbank, hurling insults so vile that no one could endure them without reacting—not even their own soldiers thought the taunts were excessive. Surely, anyone with ears would be provoked into responding.

Their strategy worked—gradually, the Liang forces stationed in Shicheng began to stir, itching to emerge and face Wei in a decisive battle. The Wei generals were ecstatic, barely able to sleep as they eagerly prepared their troops for the impending slaughter. But just as morale reached its peak, the Great Liang’s Privy Council issued seven ironclad edicts to Shicheng, ordering the Nanling generals to remain within the city walls. Any mention of battle was punishable by death.

With that, months of verbal provocations washed away like water down the river. The gates that had nearly creaked open under the weight of their insults slammed shut once more. The much-anticipated battle was postponed indefinitely.

Thinking about this turn of events made the Wei generals gnash their teeth in frustration. Another general chimed in, continuing Guo Man’s tirade: “General Guo speaks the truth! That damn Privy Council is unbearable—it’s enough to drive a man mad!”

“Blame the newly appointed Deputy Chief of the Privy Council!” another general interjected. “Damn him! As soon as he took office, he ruined our plans!”

At twenty-three, Gu Juhan sat silently in the commander’s seat, his handsome features framed by finely sculpted eyebrows and piercing eyes. Clad in armor, he listened to the heated arguments of his subordinates without uttering a word.

Liu Shaotang, only fifteen years old, was also present in the tent, though his low rank rendered him unable to contribute to the discussion. Observing Gu Juhan’s calm demeanor—his face expressionless, devoid of anger but tinged with concern—Liu ventured to speak: “General, there’s no need to worry. I’ve heard this new Deputy Chief of the Privy Council is barely past his coming-of-age ceremony, just some pampered nobleman’s son. What kind of trouble could he possibly cause? Clearly, Great Liang is out of options if they’re entrusting such a person with the Privy Council. Sooner or later, we’ll capture Jiankang and bring about the fall of Great Liang!”

His words ignited another round of fervent agreement among the generals, but Gu Juhan’s brow remained furrowed.

He had heard of this newly appointed Deputy Chief of the Privy Council—the second son of the Qi family. This young man had once been celebrated as a prodigy, renowned for his literary talent when he topped the imperial examinations at a young age. But what kind of leadership style would such a scholar bring to the Privy Council?

Gu Juhan couldn’t quite figure it out.

Wei wasn’t afraid of fighting; rather, they feared not fighting—or fighting too slowly. While Wei’s army was strong and well-equipped, it lacked the wealth and resources of Great Liang. A prolonged war would deplete their supplies and lead to exhaustion, undoing all their previous efforts.

This battle had to happen—and it had to happen quickly.

Frowning slightly, Gu Juhan asked, “Has there been any response from the person we sent?”

One of the generals replied, “Our man is close to Jiang Yong, who has now pledged allegiance to Wei and strongly advocates for battle. However, the edicts from the Privy Council are too severe, and he hasn’t dared to act yet… And…”

Gu Juhan’s sharp eyebrows lifted. “And what?”

The general hesitated before answering, “And… we’ve heard that Qi Jingchen of the Privy Council has personally arrived in Nanling…”

At these words, a flicker of keen interest flashed in Gu Juhan’s eyes, followed by silence.

________________________________________

As dusk fell, the Wei camp on the northern bank of the Yangtze lay like a crouching tiger, nestled beside the great river. Across the water, Shicheng stood bathed in the fading sunlight, resembling a solitary black fortress.

Xu Zhengning, one of the twelve divisions of the Privy Council, stood quietly behind Qi Yin, who gazed across the river at the northern bank. Xu was short, around forty years old, with hair already half-white despite his youthful face. His round features made it difficult to guess his age. His right hand bore calluses from wielding swords, and scars adorned his neck, giving him an aura of menace.

Among the twelve divisions, Xu specialized in covert missions. He was intimately familiar with the private affairs of most high-ranking officials in the Great Liang court, and a significant portion of the Privy Council’s secret orders passed through his hands. In his younger days, he had served in the division responsible for assassinations and still occasionally lent a hand, earning a reputation as a ruthless enforcer known as “The Executioner.”

Having served in the Privy Council for over a decade, Xu had encountered countless officials throughout the Liang court. Many outranked Qi Yin in seniority and position, yet none were as inscrutable as him.

For instance, Xu couldn’t discern what the young Lord Qi was thinking at this moment—why he stood here, or when he intended to enter the city.

Xu wasn’t the only one waiting. Accompanying Qi Yin from Jiankang, he watched as Jiang Yong, the Nanling commander, personally led his troops to await below the hilltop. They had waited for nearly an hour, yet the young Lord Qi remained motionless, gazing steadily across the river.

On the northern bank, General Gu Juhan seemed to deliberately provoke them. Perhaps aware that Qi Yin was arriving today, he orchestrated a grand display during training, making the sounds of drills echo across both shores. The imposing might of Wei’s army reverberated through the air, sending shivers down spines.

Xu observed Qi Yin discreetly, noting his composed demeanor. He appeared entirely unfazed by the spectacle. Xu inwardly admired him and was about to suggest descending into the city when footsteps approached. Turning, he saw a young officer, clearly uneasy, climbing up the hill. After exchanging formal greetings with Xu and Qi Yin, the officer introduced himself: “I am Pei Jian, Deputy Officer under General Jiang Yong. Nightfall approaches, and I humbly request that the two esteemed officials accompany me into the city. General Jiang has prepared a welcoming banquet in your honor.”

Xu, with decades of experience in navigating bureaucratic etiquette, recognized that this young officer held little sway within Jiang Yong’s ranks. Jiang Yong, unwilling to personally urge Qi Yin to move, had sent Pei Jian as a test—to see if he could persuade the higher-ups. If successful, all would be well; if not, Pei Jian wouldn’t bear the blame.

Jiang Yong’s calculations were clever, but they placed undue pressure on the young officer. When Pei Jian finished speaking and Qi Yin showed no sign of moving, still gazing across the river, Xu couldn’t help but feel sympathy for him. He subtly signaled Pei Jian to retreat and wait.

Pei Jian caught the hint and awkwardly stepped back.

No sooner had he retreated a few steps than the sun dipped below the horizon, silencing the commotion on the northern bank. The vast expanse of the Yangtze grew eerily quiet, save for the rolling waters flowing eastward.

It was then that Pei Jian noticed the previously motionless figure of Lord Qi turning around.

Bound by protocol, Pei Jian averted his gaze, bowing deeply. However, Qi Yin turned so swiftly that Pei Jian inadvertently caught a glimpse of his face. Though he’d heard the young official was youthful, he hadn’t expected him to appear so strikingly young—almost the same age as himself—and remarkably handsome, resembling a sheltered nobleman more than a seasoned politician. Yet the depth of his presence commanded respect, prompting Pei Jian to lower his head immediately and invite the official to descend into the city.

Bowing low, Pei Jian tensed as he heard the official approach and stop before him. Then came the question, calm yet probing: “Does General Gu train his troops until this hour every day?”

Pei Jian paused, realizing the inquiry referred to Gu Juhan across the river. Gu Juhan indeed trained diligently, and while today’s display was particularly loud, it wasn’t unusual. Pei Jian answered truthfully, watching as the official nodded slightly and added, “But I haven’t seen General Jiang training his men.”

The remark carried ambiguous intent—not accusatory, merely observational—but Pei Jian’s back inexplicably broke out in sweat.

Uncertain how to respond, he froze in place.

Fortunately, the young Lord Qi didn’t press further, instead descending the hill without another word. Pei Jian lingered, dazed, until a servant in green nudged him gently.

“General Pei,” the servant said, nodding, “let’s go.”

Pei Jian looked up to find both officials already gone. Flustered, his face flushed red as he hurried after the servant.

Though Shicheng remained embroiled in conflict, it had once been a prosperous city before the chaos engulfed the region. Last year, when Wei’s forces breached its walls, the city suffered widespread looting and destruction. Its glory days were long gone.

The governor’s residence, nearly burned to the ground by Wei’s troops, had been partially salvaged when reinforcements from Great Liang arrived. Now, the remaining half was hastily repaired and served as Jiang Yong’s quarters.

Jiang Yong hailed from Jiankang, his square face framed by thick eyebrows and heavy facial hair. Though not exceptionally tall, his robust build exuded strength. Having served under Han Shouye for nearly two decades, he was a seasoned veteran.

He hosted a modest banquet to welcome Qi Yin and Xu Zhengning, offering simple dishes rather than extravagant fare. The residence, though repaired, still bore visible scars of the fire, reflecting the hardships endured.

During the feast, Jiang Yong apologized to Qi Yin and Xu Zhengning, saying, “Esteemed officials, you have traveled far, yet this border city lies in ruins. My hospitality is inadequate, and I beg your forgiveness.”