YCY - 9

Chapter 9: Carving Feathers, Flying Arrows; Cutting Spears with a Whip

The autumn leaves were densely packed, the remnants of flowers rustling, the proud sun congealed into blood, and copper dust covered the ground. The white horse I sat on had been dyed ochre, its body reeking, its face sticky. Its hooves trudged through the mud as its iron armor clanged. The autumn wind was desolate, and my heart was heavy.

Only a dozen riders remained beside me. Mei Ran Gong led the remaining guards to encircle my brother and me. Hundreds of elite soldiers ran behind us, and our group urgently advanced along a rugged path. Using the sunlight filtering through the branches, I looked up. All around were towering cliffs, with mountains pressing close together. It was late summer, early autumn, and the trees were dense, their branches and leaves flourishing. Frowning tightly, I felt uneasy: this steep terrain was an excellent spot for ambushes and sneak attacks.

“Uncle Qi, where are we?” My brother seemed to sense the danger too and asked.

“This place is called She Yue Valley, the only route to the ferry.” Mei Ran Gong tightened the reins and turned back to shout, “Has the scout returned?”

“Reporting to the General, Shi Tou hasn’t come back yet!”

Han Qi stroked his long beard and spurred his horse forward, “Boys, run faster! This place isn’t safe to linger!”

Dust rose in clouds, the sound of hooves and footsteps echoing through the valley. We reached a narrow pass, barely wide enough for two horses to pass side by side, with tangled underbrush and obstructed paths on both sides. At this point, everyone was starving and exhausted, those with burnt heads and broken limbs helping each other along, while those struck by arrows or spears leaned on their weapons. Looking up, I saw that the bloodstains on my brother’s cheeks had dried black, his lips cracked, his hair dusty. In the dimness, only his star-like eyes gleamed with vitality, shining brightly.

“What’s wrong? Qing Qing,” Brother lowered his head and looked at me anxiously, “Are you hurt?” Saying that, he tightened his grip on the spear and frantically touched my face with both hands, “Where? Where are you injured?”

“Brother.” I gripped his hand tightly, leaning against his iron armor, my voice trembling, “Qing Qing is fine, but Brother’s face is wounded.”

“Ho ho~” Brother laughed brightly, “Silly girl, men don’t fear scars. Especially on the battlefield, having a scar on your face shows real courage!”

“The young general has great spirit!” Han Qi tilted his head slightly, his face relaxing somewhat, “Young lady, I have a big scar on my chin, and my wife forced me to grow a beard.”

“So that’s how Uncle Qi got his handsome beard.” I stared intently at his sleek, black beard, “When we get back, can I touch it?”

“Hahaha~” Han Qi laughed heartily, “My beautiful beard, I’ve never heard such praise before. Beards can always grow back, but lives cannot be lost. When we return, Uncle Qi will cut off this beard and give it to the young lady.”

“The General is so generous to the young lady.” A cavalryman ahead holding a flag turned back and teased, “Last time when Xiao Qing secretly touched it, the General chased him and beat him. Now the young lady asks to touch it, and you just offer it willingly. Isn’t that going too far!”

“Yes, yes.” The infantrymen behind them chimed in.

“Bastard! Who told you to run your mouth!” Han Qi swung his horsewhip and hit the cavalryman.

“You’re angry again! You’re always this fierce. I wonder how your wife can handle you when you’re home!” That person winked mischievously, making crude jokes.

“Hahaha~” “What bravery from the General!” “No, it’s the sister-in-law who’s brave!”

Laughter and curses dispersed the previous atmosphere of despair, and everyone regained their spirits. I loosened my grip on the horse’s mane and sighed softly, “Brother, I wonder how Father and Mother are doing now?”

A gentle large hand smoothed my bangs, and a firm voice came from above, “Didn’t Father say he would definitely bring Mother back to You Country? They’ll be fine!”

“Mm.” Brother’s words forcibly suppressed the unease in my heart, giving me some relief.

“Hu Sanzi, see if I don’t whip you to death!” Han Qi blushed with anger and suddenly whipped the horse in front fiercely. The cavalryman ducked to avoid Han Qi’s next lash.

Just as we were about to exit this narrow mountain path, Hu Sanzi raised the flag, turned around, and made a face, “General, let Sanzi go ahead and clear the way...” Before he finished speaking, a stray arrow pierced his temple, the arrowhead drenched in blood. Sanzi’s eyes widened, his mouth agape, and he slid lifelessly from his horse. I stared blankly at the dead cavalryman on the ground, frightened to the point of losing my pulse.

“Ambush!” Han Qi roared and signaled a guard with a glance. The man held up a shield, leaned against the cliff wall, and peeked out. Suddenly, his body went limp, and he fell with a painful cry. His chest was filled with white arrows. He crawled on the ground, using his last ounce of strength to call out, “There are dozens of archers on the cliffs at the valley entrance...” His words unfinished, his breath stopped.

“What do we do now?” Han Qi clenched his fists and shook his head violently, “Pursuers behind, ambush ahead.”

“Uncle Qi.” Brother took a deep breath, his voice heavy, “Dozens of archers aren’t much. It seems this is just a hidden move by the enemy army. Their intention is to block us here, delay our exit from the valley, and wait for the main force behind us to catch up and annihilate us in this She Yue Valley.” Brother turned his horse and looked at the soldiers behind, “Brothers, if we hesitate and fear this rain of arrows, it’s exactly what the enemy wants. Rather than this, let’s fight to the death and leave the valley. At least we’ll have a chance to survive!”

“The Young General speaks the truth!” Han Qi bowed his head, clenched his fist, and bent over, “I was rash earlier and almost fell into the enemy’s trap.”

“Young General!” A wounded soldier leaning on a long halberd limped to the horse, “Thanks to your great kindness, Young General, you haven’t abandoned this injured person. After leaving the valley, there’s still a stretch of road. I’m afraid I won’t make it to the end. Since that’s the case, I’m willing to pave the way for the Young General and be an arrow target!”

Brother waved his hand and sternly refused, “No! We either all leave together or not at all! I, Han Yuesiao, am unwilling to lose any more brothers!”

“Young General! I’m also willing to be this arrow target!” “Me too!” “Please allow the Young General to fulfill this!” “Please prioritize the bigger picture, Young General!” The old, weak, and wounded soldiers stepped forward one after another, kneeling on the ground.

“No!” Brother turned the horse’s head and protected me, ready to charge out of the mountain path. Suddenly, the horse’s reins were grabbed by Han Qi, and the white horse came to an abrupt stop.

“Young General, they have a point.”

“Uncle Qi!”

Uncle Qi’s voice trembled as he said, “It’s impossible for all of us to break through. Rather than letting them die meaninglessly under the pursuers’ blades, let these few heroes shine. These dozens of archers probably don’t have many arrows left. Let these wounded soldiers die with value.”

I looked at the soldiers lying on the ground, their faces pale, armor disheveled, bodies covered in wounds, and tears quietly fell. Though this sacrifice was rational, it was still hard to choose.

Feeling my brother’s chest rise and fall violently behind me, after a while, a choked voice came, “Alright...”

The wounded soldiers kowtowed heavily, shouting in unison, “Thank you, Young General, for allowing us!” Their faces covered in blood, their eyes resolute, shaking off their previous fatigue, they drew their swords and raised their spears, wiped their faces, gritted their teeth, and charged outward.

“Father!” “Brother!” It turned out that the team consisted of fathers, sons, and brothers fighting together. They watched helplessly as their disabled fathers and brothers sacrificed themselves and became human shields—a sorrow beyond words.

“Ah!” Those wounded soldiers raised their weapons, screaming wildly, startling birds to fly out of the valley, turning the sun pale.

“Whoosh!” “Whoosh!” “Whoosh!” A rain of arrows came like a violent storm, cutting down the fragrant flowers of the western garden and slaying the valiant sons of You Country. Their bodies fell like withered leaves, swaying to the ground. In their eyes looking back at their loved ones was full of reluctance, and on their smiling lips hung immense pride. As the red sun sank westward and the sky was filled with residual glow, batches of wounded soldiers surged out of the mountain path. Tears streamed down my cheeks; I didn’t know how to blink anymore, only staring unblinkingly, watching them march toward death, remembering their simple faces.

As the sound of arrows gradually ceased and the rain of arrows was about to stop, Brother raised his silver spear high and shouted loudly, “Brothers, charge forward!”

“Ah!” Behind me echoed the anguished roar, the frenzied galloping of hooves, and thunderous footsteps. Along the dusty path stained with blood, we gazed obliquely at the setting sun, thinking of old friends, tears streaming down our faces, hearts breaking through mountains upon mountains.

Brother leaned forward, shielding me protectively. Feeling tense, I listened intently and indeed no longer heard the sound of arrows. With tears, I silently thanked those soldiers—they might be mere pawns, but they possessed boundless valor, true heroes!

“Set it on fire!” A command echoed through the valley.

Brother straightened his chest and looked ahead immediately. Under the vast slanting sunlight, I looked up at the cliff walls, seeing dozens of torches ignite. The commanding officer waved his arm backward, revealing several huge cloth balls on both cliff sides. “Release!” The cloth balls were ignited and pushed down instantly; flames flew chaotically, igniting the dry autumn bushes. Fire roared fiercely in the narrow mountain pass, black smoke rising everywhere.

A rolling fireball rushed towards several soldiers, followed by screams, and a smell of burnt flesh invaded my nostrils. Brother spurred his horse to gallop, only to find the path ahead blocked solidly by tree trunks and grass. Scattered flames, fueled by the autumn wind, soon grew into a massive blaze. Trapped ahead and pursued from behind, were we destined to perish here? She Yue Valley, truly an ominous name.

“Young General, the vegetation here has been soaked in oil, the fire spreads rapidly and burns fiercely! Cough cough cough~” Uncle Qi inhaled a lungful of thick smoke and couldn’t stop coughing.

Brother covered my face with his hand and shouted back while turning his horse, “Brothers, cover your mouths and noses, don’t breathe in the smoke!”

“Ah!” Screams continuously rang in my ears, the crackling of burning wood making my heart restless and fearful. Brother gripped the spear tightly and thrust the silver spearhead into the tree trunk blocking the path. “Uh!” With a roar of anger, he flung a burning log away. Uncle Qi also stepped forward, aiding Brother with a long halberd. Together, they cleared two thick logs, drew their weapons, and wanted to continue, but found that the spearhead and halberd tines had snapped in the burning wood.

“This!” Uncle Qi cursed angrily, “Sigh!”

At that moment, the wind was fierce, tongues of flame filled the air, heat waves hit our faces, and smoke billowed to the sky. The valley had become a sea of fire. Soldiers discarded their helmets and armor, their saddles and clothes ablaze with sparks, the stench of burning unbearable, cries echoing endlessly—a veritable hellish scene. The She Yue Valley glowed golden-red, the flames even outshining the morning glow on the horizon. The scorching air engulfed us completely, our cheeks burned hot, and our clothes soaked with sweat.

Brother let out a long, mournful cry to the heavens, “Is Heaven determined to destroy the Han family!” His heart-wrenching cry reverberated through the valley, mixed with grief, indignation, and despair, echoing within his chest.

“Boom” A muffled sound came faintly, and I looked up. The evening glow had faded without notice, and dark clouds drifted across the gradually darkening sky. “Boom Boom~” The sound grew clearer.

Uncle Qi extinguished the sparks on his beautiful beard and excitedly shouted, “Young General! It’s thunder!”

The deep rumble of thunder grew louder, as if trying to break through the gloomy sky, tearing apart the thick clouds, struggling to escape. “Crack!” Lightning flashed like daylight, slicing through the black clouds like a sword. Thunderclaps came without warning, dazzling purple lightning sowing hope in our hearts. Mountain winds carried embers, like ocean surges, bringing frightening heat waves, rolling toward us. Brother stood motionless on his horse, staring fixedly at the sky.

Ink-black clouds churned in the sky, waves crashed amidst half-airborne blossoms.

Heavenly waters carried our anger, the wails of fallen souls, descending like swooping rain swallows, pouring down fiercely, creating pits in the ground. The tongues of fire throughout the mountains and valleys initially struggled unwillingly, then, like evil spirits in hell hearing countless chants, swayed their bodies and slowly fell, leaving only a few wisps of black smoke, disappearing without a trace.

I lifted my head, feeling the rain sting my cheeks sharply. I stuck out my tongue to taste the sweetness of the rain, and an excited laugh burst forth, “Hahaha~” My youthful voice echoed in the charred valley. I lifted my head, my eyes stinging from the torrential rain, pointing to the sky and shouting madly, “Heaven does not forsake those who wish! Resolve firmly and move forward!”

Brother lowered his head, looking at me joyfully, “Qing Qing, we must live on! Live on!”

“Live on! Live on~ Live on~” The echo resonated through the valley, melodious and lingering, bright and clear.

“Young General!” Uncle Qi galloped over, covered in mud, “I’ve already cleared the blocked logs.”

Brother pulled the reins and turned the horse around. Only a dozen remaining guards were left, some washing their sooty faces with the downpour, others kneeling on the ground, fingers gripping the yellow mud, each face filled with the ecstasy of rebirth and abandon.

“Brothers, mount your horses and follow me out!” Brother kicked the horse’s belly and led the charge forward. Galloping swiftly, nearing the valley entrance, we could finally see piles of charred logs on the ground. Feeling Brother’s chest tremble with excitement, he exerted force on the reins, the horse’s head rose, its hooves soared in the air, as if riding clouds and chasing the moon, leaping out.

Exiting the She Yue Valley, we saw lush forests and towering trees, layer upon layer. In the midst of the storm and fierce winds, leaves flew sideways, rustling. The dark woods seemed haunted, with distorted, swaying tree shadows menacingly reaching out to us. Our group of over a dozen riders raced through the rain, traversing this hellish realm.

“Young General!” Uncle Qi’s voice called out from behind.

“Shh~” Brother tightened the reins, stopping and looking back, “What is it?”

“The pursuers seem to have arrived!” Uncle Qi wiped his face, rainwater trickling down his shortened, burnt beard.

“Ah!” “What to do?” “We only have a little over ten people left!” “Are we doomed to die?” The guards reined in their horses, standing still and crying out to the heavens in sorrow.

Feeling the ground tremble, the enemy forces would soon catch up. Squinting, facing the rain, I shouted loudly, “Brother, I have a plan!” The panicking crowd stopped their lamentations and looked back in shock.

“As night falls and the enemies follow, they’re likely chasing our horses. Why don’t we abandon our horses and walk, merging into the jungle, making it harder for them to track us?” I released the horse’s mane and continued, “Everyone take off your armor and tie it to the horses’ backs. This way, the empty horses running will still make noise. If we mislead the enemy, we’ll have a chance to escape.”

“Qing Qing is right!” Brother lifted me down from the horse, “Everyone listen up, abandon your horses and remove your armor!”

Brother untied the white silk from his body. Stepping on the ground, my thighs ached, and my legs felt weak. Over a dozen people shed their iron armor, tying their gear to the saddles. With a slap on the horses’ rumps, over a dozen steeds galloped away, splashing through the muddy water.

“From here on, our path to survival depends on everyone running!” Having removed his silver armor, Brother stood tall, his hair tied back and flowing over his shoulders, solemn and dignified. “Qing Qing.” Brother held me in his arms, leading everyone into the dark forest.

Bent over, heads down, everyone’s feet flew quickly, cloaks sweeping through the rain, hiding among the dense woods. The sounds of their steps were completely drowned out by the wind, rain, and rustling trees. Sure enough, not long after, the rumbling sound of hooves approached, sliding past our ears after a while, leaving only a thunderous echo.

“Young General, they’ve passed.” Uncle Qi whispered softly.

Brother waved his hand, and everyone moved like apes and rabbits, running with all their might. The eerie wind whistled through the forest, ghosts howled, and the rain slashed our faces like knives. Night running, night running, running for life, running for this lifetime.

We didn’t know how long we ran, only aware that the torrential rain gradually subsided and the fierce wind slowly ceased. “Young General! We’ve arrived!” A soldier ahead shouted excitedly. Brother parted the grass, revealing a gray surface of water with a floating bridge dimly visible. The freshly cleared sky carried a cool freshness, though moonless and starless, it offered solace. Under the cover of night, Brother tightened his arms around me and led the way out of the grass. Like a swift gust, the remaining dozen people stepped onto bamboo planks, crossing the water.

Upon reaching the opposite shore, before we could exhale in relief, the sound of hooves echoed from both sides, and torchlights blinded us momentarily. Could it be that we hadn’t escaped after all?

“Young General!” The leader of the group shouted, hurriedly dismounting and stumbling toward us. As he neared, we recognized him as Han Shuo, who led the left army in the breakout.

This eight-foot-tall advisor collapsed at Brother’s feet, sobbing like a child, “Young... General, you’ve finally returned. Your subordinate waited for you for two hours, thinking... thinking... waaah...”

Brother gently put me down, knelt halfway, and supported him, “Uncle Shuo, how many men remain in the left army?”

“Less than thirty thousand...”

“Sigh~” Han Qi sighed deeply, “The right army only has the few of us left.”

“After breaking through, your subordinate realized that the main force of the Jing army was concentrated in the northeast corner. I immediately worried about the safety of the Young General and the young lady. Just as I was about to rescue you, we fell into the enemy’s fish-scale formation. By the time we exited the formation, we found no trace of the main army. Your subordinate could only come to the riverbank and wait for the Young General and the young lady.”

I squeezed through the crowd, rushing to look for my father, but he was nowhere to be seen. Panic-stricken, I ran to Han Shuo, grabbing his sleeve and asking sharply, “Where is my father? Where is my father?”

“General...” Han Shuo pounded the ground and cried loudly. The surrounding soldiers suddenly kneeled, foreheads pressed to the yellow earth, wailing aloud.

“Uncle Shuo!” Brother’s eyes widened, supporting Han Shuo, his lips trembling, his cheeks quivering.

“Your subordinate... after exiting the formation, sent people to investigate.” Uncle Shuo’s voice was fragmented, “An hour ago, the scouts reported. Waaah...”

I collapsed to the ground, my body limp, fingers clawing at the ground, asking word by word, “How... How?”

“General! General, waaah...” Han Shuo curled up on the ground, whispering, “The general was outnumbered, forced onto Meteor Mountain, and jumped off the cliff with Madam, waaah...”

“Impossible~ Impossible!” I collapsed to the ground, tears blurring my vision, denying vehemently, “Impossible! Impossible! Father said he would bring Mother home! He can’t be dead! Impossible!”

“Ah!” Brother abruptly stood up, fists clenched tightly, veins bulging, roaring to the heavens in anguish.

“General!” Uncle Qi suddenly knelt on the ground, scooping up soil and sobbing loudly, “General!”

I took out the white silk stained with Father’s blood from my collar, my teeth trembling, hugging it and wailing loudly. My heart ached painfully, repeating, “Father, Mother. Father, Mother. Father, Mother. Father, Mother.” I cried until my heart was torn apart, until only gasps remained, until only my eyes were left.

A small soldier ran from afar, kneeling and shouting loudly, “Young General! The pursuers are coming!”

Brother tilted his head upward, his expression unseen. His hands were still tightly clenched, his body like a statue, standing immovably there.

“Young General...”

Brother suddenly jerked his head, exhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling, his voice hoarse, “Burn the floating bridge.”

“But it just rained.” Han Qi reminded softly.

Brother’s throat twitched, he wiped his face, his red-rimmed eyes fixed on Han Shuo, “Do we have fish oil in the camp?”

“Yes, but that’s the only food the brothers have left.”

“Survive first!” Brother rasped, “Cook staff, hear my order, take out all the fish oil, not a drop can be left!”

“Yes!”

Half a moment later, a fiery belt ignited on the broad water. The raging flames dyed the dark river surface red, the dancing flames like demons and monsters in the night, wicked and rampant. By the blazing light, we clearly saw the dense enemy forces on the opposite shore. I wiped my tears with the white silk, quickly ran to the riverbank, and glared hatefully at that group of devils. Silently, I vowed: I will become strong! I will become very, very strong! Strong enough that no one can snatch my loved ones again! Strong enough to avenge this battlefield of bloodshed!

Turning my head, I saw Brother seize a horsewhip and hurl it forcefully into the water. “Hahaha~” Mocking laughter came from the opposite shore, “Ignorant brat, throwing tantrums!” A roar crossed the river.

Brother picked up a pearwood carved bow, drew a white-feathered arrow, his gaze cold and murderous, aura of death radiating. He exerted force with both arms, pulling the carved bow taut like a full moon. “Ah!” He roared angrily, and the arrow shot like lightning skimming the water, vanishing in an instant.

“Ah!” Brother’s hand bled profusely, the bowstring snapped entirely, his roar unceasing.

“Impossible!” A terrified shout came from the opposite shore, the enemy troops panicking. Why impossible? I wiped my tear-streaked eyes and walked forward, grabbing Brother’s sleeve.

Yes, Brother’s previous arrow, powerful and weighty, flew tens of zhang across the river surface, directly striking down the enemy’s military flag!

“Brother.” I used the white silk to wrap his palm. He stopped roaring, lowered his head, and gazed at me with tears.

After a while, Brother tightened the white silk and lifted me up, standing resolutely by the water. The river breeze blew gently, like Mother’s hand tenderly caressing my cheek. I closed my eyes, feeling her gentle touch. My hand hovered in midair, covering my face, as if touching her soft fingers, sensing her love. The wind whispered, like Father’s admonitions. I listened closely, seemingly hearing his earnest low voice. Suddenly, the cool breeze stopped, and I opened my eyes, seeing two glittering stars twinkling in the black sky.

Father, Mother. The night humbly stands at one corner of the sky, bowing to your brilliance. Brother and I stand at your feet, the ocean-deep affection of our parents forever unforgettable.

The world kisses our souls with its pain, but Brother and Qing Qing will not drown in sorrow. Let us be reborn in death and bloom brilliantly in rebirth.

The tear stains on my face had dried. I raised my right hand and pointed at the opposite shore, “One day, we shall cross this river, look northwest, and shoot the celestial wolf!”