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A few days later, Xu Zhengning finally regained consciousness. By the time he woke up, Qi Ying was still at the Wei Palace attending to matters and had not yet returned to the Envoy’s Villa. Thus, Xu first heard from several of his colleagues in the Privy Council about how their superior had orchestrated his rescue.
The peace negotiations between the two nations had been ongoing for half a month, with most major issues already settled. Only some minor details remained under final discussion.
During the northern campaign, the Liang army had breached Jian Mountain Pass, reaching as far north as Shangdang Commandery. Eight commanderies—Jizhou, Dongyongzhou, Jingzhou, and others—were now under Liang control. However, during these negotiations, the Chief Minister agreed to return five commanderies in exchange for Xu Zhengning’s safe return south, leaving only Yongzhou, Qinzhou, and Jingzhou under Liang’s control.
This was, of course, an extremely heavy price to pay. Upon hearing the news after regaining consciousness, Xu Zhengning was both shocked and deeply moved, overwhelmed by anxiety. That night, when Qi Ying returned, even this iron-willed man couldn’t help but shed tears, painfully asking, “Why did you save me, Master? When I came north, I never imagined returning alive—to sacrifice my flesh and blood for the greater cause, I would have no complaints! Why did you trade five commanderies for just one person like me?”
His injuries were still severe, and his voice was faint as he spoke. Qi Ying instructed him to rest and avoid aggravating his wounds. Then he said, “You and I have worked together for many years, so you should know my temperament—I don’t make losing deals. If I traded five commanderies for you, it’s simply because your value in my eyes surpasses that of those five commanderies.”
His words were calm, yet they deeply moved those who heard them.
In the aftermath of the war, with populations drastically reduced, the land and people of five commanderies were undoubtedly more precious. Yet, their superior had done this for him…
Xu Zhengning’s eyes filled with tears, leaving him speechless.
“There’s no need for you to overthink this,” Qi Ying’s expression remained calm, his eyes reflecting clarity and wisdom. “The dynamics of offense and defense differ greatly; those five commanderies were merely illusory bargaining chips.”
Qi Ying’s words were measured, yet their implications ran deep.
Although the Liang army had captured eight commanderies during this northern campaign, seizing territory and governing it were entirely different matters. While they could forcibly occupy the land now, holding onto it in the future would be challenging. Moreover, these areas had been under Wei rule for nearly forty years, making the hearts and minds of the people a significant obstacle.
The loss of eight commanderies was an outcome Northern Wei could never accept. If Liang insisted on keeping them, the peace talks would inevitably collapse. At that point, Northern Wei might launch a desperate southern invasion, which Liang would struggle to resist.
Qi Ying had anticipated securing only three commanderies, pushing the boundary between the north and south a hundred li further north. Even with these three commanderies, he didn’t believe Liang could hold them for long. Within a few years, they would likely be lost again, reverting to the old division along the Yangtze River. But even so, it didn’t matter—these three commanderies were merely a buffer zone he left for Liang.
Xu Zhengning was a man of both intelligence and courage, well-versed in the affairs of the Privy Council, seasoned yet sincere. After Qi Ying’s departure from the council, Xu Zhengning became even more indispensable. No matter who eventually took over leadership of the Privy Council, they would rely heavily on Xu Zhengning’s assistance. At this critical juncture for Liang, trading five commanderies that were difficult to defend for a capable individual like Xu Zhengning was worth it.
Very much worth it.
Qi Ying glanced again at the wounded Xu Zhengning, recalling the doctor’s words—his right leg was beyond saving, and he would walk with difficulty for the rest of his life, unable to wield martial skills as before.
But as long as he lived, there was still hope for things to improve.
Qi Ying patted Xu Zhengning’s shoulder and said firmly, “For now, don’t dwell on these matters. Focus on resting and recovering. The rest is my responsibility.”
After a pause, he added indifferently, “As for the hardships you’ll face in the future, I’ll leave that burden to you.”
At first glance, this seemed like a polite remark, but it carried deeper meaning—Qi Ying was entrusting the Privy Council to him. However, Xu Zhengning didn’t grasp this implication at the time.
Three days later, the peace negotiations between the two nations were finally settled. Northern Wei ceded three commanderies to Liang’s control, redeeming Jizhou, Dongyongzhou, Jingzhou, and other five commanderies with an annual tribute of 200,000 taels of silver. Additionally, they signed a treaty pledging not to engage in warfare for the next ten years. This agreement was recorded in Liang history as the “Jiahe Peace Accord.”
With the major issues resolved, both nations experienced gains and losses. Although Wei lost three commanderies and an annual payment of 200,000 taels of silver, they managed to redeem five commanderies, achieving a semblance of balance. They accepted the outcome of the peace talks, avoiding a complete rupture with Liang and maintaining decorum as they bid farewell to the Liang envoys.
To showcase his magnanimity and openness, Emperor Gao of Wei insisted that the farewell couldn’t be too plain—it needed to be grand enough to reflect Northern Wei’s expansive spirit. Thus, he scheduled a polo match for the 19th day of the second month with the Liang ministers.
Polo, a game of leisure for the aristocracy in Jiangnan, was regarded as a national sport in the north. It was widely practiced even in military camps. Not only young men but even children could ride small horses and play. This was quite different from Jiangnan.
While Emperor Gao spoke of magnanimity, he secretly intended to use the polo match to humble the Liang people and restore his own dignity. He specifically instructed Gu Juhán, the young General Gu, to participate personally, full of ambition.
The Wei ministers, humiliated by the recent northern campaign, were eager for an opportunity to vent their frustrations. Though they couldn’t act during the peace talks, with the agreement concluded, they now felt unrestrained. They eagerly anticipated watching the Liang ministers embarrass themselves on the polo field while demonstrating Northern Wei’s prowess.
By early February, Jiangnan was already adorned with blossoms, but Shangjing still felt the chill of spring. However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Northern Wei people for the polo match. The vast polo field was adorned with fluttering colorful flags, and beneath the ornate pavilions, crowds gathered densely. Nearly all the prominent nobles of Shangjing were present, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the renowned Qi Jingchen of Liang and to see how the Liang ministers would fare in this match.
Emperor Gao Mian was among the first to join the spectacle. Seated majestically on the high platform with his graceful empress, he smiled as he observed the scene below. He saw both sides arrive, with Qi Jingchen exchanging pleasantries with his trusted minister, Gu Juhán.
Indeed, Qi Ying and Gu Juhán met on the field.
These two were celebrated ministers navigating the tumultuous era—one from the south, one from the north, one excelling in civil affairs, the other in military prowess. Together, they were often lauded as “Southern Qi, Northern Gu.”
Though frequently mentioned in the same breath, they had only briefly encountered each other on the streets before. Had it not been for the incident involving Shen Xiling, they might never have met.
Because of that prior encounter, they weren’t entirely unfamiliar. Now, as they stood by the field chatting idly, Qi Ying didn’t forget to thank Gu Juhán for his assistance, saying, “I appreciate your help last time, General Gu.”
His words subtly revealed his relationship with Shen Xiling. If she were merely a servant by his side, he wouldn’t have gone out of his way to thank Gu Juhán, thus implicitly acknowledging her special status.
Gu Juhán certainly caught this implication. Even if Qi Ying hadn’t said it, he had already noticed the telltale signs that day—the radiant joy in her eyes upon seeing Qi Jingchen was enough for anyone to understand everything.
Such affection, such devotion—subtle yet unmistakable.
But he had heard that Qi Jingchen was betrothed to the sixth princess of Liang. So, who was this woman named Shen Xiling… Could she be his concubine?
She was so beautiful and pure, like a flower spirit. How could she…
Gu Juhán felt a vague sense of discomfort.
This unease arose abruptly and without reason, leaving him perplexed. He quickly suppressed it, smiling at Qi Ying and replying, “Master Qi is too kind. It was merely a small gesture.”
Though Gu Juhán appeared composed, Qi Ying, who governed the Privy Council by understanding human nature, saw through his facade. Even though Gu Juhán had concealed his emotions well, Qi Ying detected the subtle feelings hidden within.
Qi Ying fell silent for a moment.
He had noticed back then that Gu Juhán harbored some unusual affection for his girl. Their brief encounter on the street hadn’t confirmed it, but today, when mentioning Shen Xiling, Gu Juhán’s subtle expressions couldn’t escape Qi Ying’s keen eye.
Qi Ying felt a faint sense of displeasure.
He had always known that Shen Xiling was beautiful and charming, and over the years, others had shown interest in her. For instance, his third younger brother openly expressed his desire to marry her. At that time, though uncomfortable, he didn’t feel as strongly as he did now. He sensed that she was being coveted, and by someone he genuinely respected.
He disliked this feeling immensely.
However, despite his youth, Qi Ying’s mindset was far from adolescent. Though displeased, he didn’t show it outwardly. He exchanged a few more polite words with Gu Juhán, refraining from mentioning the matter again.
Meanwhile, Gu Juhán scrutinized Qi Ying’s horse and furrowed his brow.
Qi Ying’s diplomatic mission to Northern Wei involved traveling by carriage, so he hadn’t brought his prized steed, Zhuri. Today’s polo match required riding, and since the Liang ministers lacked horses, they had to borrow from the Wei Imperial Stables. Knowing their emperor’s intention to humiliate the Liang delegation, the officials from the stables deliberately provided aged, feeble horses, blatantly placing obstacles in their path.
Though Gu Juhán understood the emperor’s intentions, his upright nature made him disdain such tactics. Seeing the inferior horses given to the Liang ministers, he frowned deeply. Though he wanted to immediately summon someone to replace the horses, considering the emperor was still seated on the high platform, he refrained from acting rashly. Instead, he said to Qi Ying, “Master Qi’s horse catches my eye. Would you consider lending it to me for today?”
He handed over his own reins to Qi Ying, saying, “If you don’t mind, we can exchange.”
Gu Juhán’s horse was also a renowned steed, named Ruochi. It was a genuine warhorse that had accompanied the young general through countless battles, earning great fame.
Hearing this, Qi Ying naturally understood his intentions and felt a sense of admiration.
He had always known Gu Juhán was a benevolent general with an open heart, unparalleled by ordinary men. Yet, he hadn’t expected him to go this far.
Qi Ying was not only his adversary on the battlefield but also one of the main reasons for the decline of the Gu family. Still, Gu Juhán set aside these grievances and addressed the matter objectively, showcasing his integrity.
Qi Ying appreciated Gu Juhán’s gesture but decided against exchanging horses. Firstly, he didn’t care about the trivial outcome of this game. Secondly, with the Wei emperor watching, Gu Juhán taking the initiative to switch horses might invite trouble. The Gu family was already showing signs of decline, and it was best not to provoke the emperor further.
Thus, Qi Ying politely declined, saying, “A fine steed has its own spirit; Ruochi especially so. I fear I wouldn’t be able to handle it. It’s best to leave it with you, General.”
Gu Juhán understood the underlying refusal in Qi Ying’s words. Seeing his raised gaze, filled with understanding and consideration, he realized Qi Ying’s goodwill—he didn’t want to involve him in unnecessary disputes.
The friendship between gentlemen is as clear as water. Sometimes, a mere glance suffices for mutual understanding.
Because of this horse exchange, the pretense between them diminished somewhat. Gu Juhán laughed, “I am a military officer, more adept at such equestrian matters. If you don’t exchange horses with me, don’t blame me for taking advantage later.”
Qi Ying smiled in response, “General, there’s no need to hold back. Let us witness your prowess.”
They exchanged a smile, both open and serene. Then, the drums thundered, and the colorful flags fluttered. This unprecedented polo match between the north and south was about to begin.
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