Xiao Chiye’s outer robe hung loosely open, the collar of the inner lining undone. When he sat down he blocked much of the light. Moisture still clung to him; he wiped his face several times with a clean cloth and felt somewhat refreshed. Curling his finger, he knocked three times on the floor and said to Chenyang, “What is it? Sit up and speak.”
Chenyang quickly wiped his face on his sleeve, raised his upper body, and said, “On this trip back to Libei we encountered some unexpected matters. I did not dare make a decision on my own, so I must report them to my master first.”
Xiao Chiye picked up Shen Zechuan’s chopsticks and listened as Chenyang repeated the whole matter. Shen Zechuan had left halfway through the meal to bathe. Xiao Chiye finished the rice in his bowl without taking more. After sitting quietly for a moment, he asked, “How are Gu Jin’s injuries?”
“After we left the permanent camp we immediately called for a physician. Gu Jin’s fever subsided on the road, but the wound on his back festered badly. Master Ji Gang examined him last night and told him to watch his diet and gave many instructions. He said another month of rest should be enough for recovery.” Chenyang paused before adding, “Fortunately, his eyes and ears were not injured.”
“The Tuda Dragon Banner is the daily patrol territory of the permanent camp in the Eastern Mountain Range. Originally it was quite far from the Hateful Serpent Tribe, yet this time Gu Jin’s vanguard retreated all the way there.” Xiao Chiye swiftly seized on the key details in Chenyang’s report. With keen perception he said, “That means the Libei Iron Cavalry is retreating. Father and Master’s battle is not going smoothly.”
The chirping of summer insects filtered through the bamboo curtain, loud and restless.
Xiao Chiye watched the candle flame for a moment and said in a low voice, “Eldest Brother cannot lead troops. That alone is a heavy blow to the Libei Iron Cavalry. Father coming out of retirement in time is meant to quickly restrain the falling morale and weaken the impact of the word ‘defeat.’ But he has not personally stepped onto the battlefield for nearly fifteen years. Meanwhile Almu has not left the front line of the Hateful Serpent Tribe for a single step during those same fifteen years. Times have changed. Blindly relying on Father is not the way to victory. I have always said not to replace commanders at the last moment. Even the best general needs time to grow accustomed to his soldiers. The men Father commanded fifteen years ago have all been replaced. Few can follow him again into the field. The troops he leads now are the new generation of generals who have already grown accustomed to Eldest Brother’s style. Both sides must adjust to one another in the middle of an urgent war. That will not be easy.”
When Xiao Fangxu established the Libei Iron Cavalry, the words “Iron Cavalry” themselves were the best explanation of the Libei army. In the beginning Libei could not match the speed of the Biansha cavalry’s horses, so Xiao Fangxu adopted a method of increasing weight. Not only did he cover Libei soldiers in armor from head to toe, he also armored the horses from head to hoof. When such an army charged in a straight line, it became a terrifying force like a torrent pouring through mountain valleys, capable of smashing enemies to pieces in the blink of an eye. The Biansha curved blades often could not even be drawn in time, and even if they were drawn they could not pierce that armor. Fierce as the Hateful Serpent Tribe was, they refused to fight a prolonged battle against the Iron Cavalry. Their only remaining advantage was their swift mobility. On this foundation Xiao Fangxu continued to increase the weight of the Libei Iron Cavalry until it finally became a true “iron wall.”
When Qi Zhuyin led the Qidong garrison army across the border, the sound of hooves was said to be like thunder. But when the Libei Iron Cavalry crossed, it was not “like thunder”—it was true thunder. The sheer weight alone made people lose the courage to fight simply by hearing it. For five or six years no one could find a weakness in the Libei Iron Cavalry.
Yet Almu was also a fierce general. Through repeated engagements with the Libei Iron Cavalry he learned to exploit their “weight.” As long as the Hateful Serpent Tribe’s cavalry was fast enough, they could plunder and withdraw, withdraw and scatter, scatter and circle, then surround from behind—like a swarm of flies sucking blood. They could not pierce the thick armor, but neither would they suffer injury themselves. Lei Jingzhe’s method of gathering bandits to harass the Imperial Army was an imitation of the Hateful Serpent Tribe’s tactics against the Libei Iron Cavalry, except that he lacked their swift horses and powerful troops.
It was at this time that Xiao Jiming took command of the Libei Iron Cavalry. The first decision he faced was whether to preserve their heavy weight. In the eyes of the veteran generals he was merely a green youth, and his refined, courteous personality was something those old commanders accustomed to Xiao Fangxu could not tolerate. He made a choice completely different from Xiao Fangxu’s: he reduced the weight of the Libei Iron Cavalry. The “iron wall” became thinner, but gained the ability to turn swiftly. From that moment on, the Libei Iron Cavalry shifted from heavy cavalry toward a somewhat heavier but more mobile cavalry force.
This change gave Libei the trait of “speed.” It was the root of Xiao Jiming’s title “Iron Horses on an Icy River,” and the reason he could cross the territory of two provinces in a single night. They could keep up with the speed of the Hateful Serpent Tribe and became even more troublesome through increasingly refined battle formations. The new generation of generals were all personally selected by Xiao Jiming. Their style adapted to his, and they had grown accustomed to his willingness to listen to advice. Perhaps emotionally they still respected Xiao Fangxu, but that did not mean they could truly adapt to him.
Respect alone cannot win battles. The dazzling aura of the legendary war god will be worn down again and again through collision. In the end even the radiant King of Libei may fall from his pedestal and become a myth that perishes in the tides of change. If that day comes, the legend of the Libei Iron Cavalry will end as well. They will become scattered troops unable to reconcile themselves internally. A structure too concentrated is both strength and flaw.
Qi Zhuyin had studied the Libei Iron Cavalry more deeply than anyone. She knew their reliance on a single commander was a fatal weakness. After becoming Commander-in-Chief of the Qidong Five Prefectures, she worked hard to prevent Qidong from following Libei’s path. Instead she focused on establishing the Qidong generals’ command, gathering under her command men capable of leading troops themselves. She dared to delegate authority, which showed confidence in holding absolute command. She gave Lu Guangbai such great power because he deserved it. She understood what kind of general suited what kind of army. In Xiao Chiye’s eyes, Qi Zhuyin was the most suitable person of this generation to serve as supreme commander.
Someone who can fight may become the general of an army, but someone who can fight is not necessarily able to command the four directions. If the four great generals of the realm were to be ranked, Qi Zhuyin would undoubtedly be first. She had long perceived the weakness of the Libei Iron Cavalry and had once warned Xiao Jiming.
Xiao Chiye being excluded was therefore inevitable.
He rested one hand on his knee and poured candle wax into a small porcelain dish. Some dripped onto his fingertips, but he liked the scorching pain. Watching the flickering candlelight, he said, “Chenyang, when I left home at seventeen, I asked my sister-in-law when I would be able to return. That question made her cry. She stayed in her room and wept the whole night. When I mounted my horse with Eldest Brother, she stuffed my pack with many Libei pastries and even hid a flask of Ma Shang Xing wine inside. She told me she did not know when I could return home, but they would always be waiting for me in Libei. I became a hostage in the capital because Eldest Brother won a battle. I hated Shen Wei to death. At that time I thought it was all the fault of Zhongbo’s defeat. I never thought I was better than Eldest Brother, but I loved Hongyan Mountain and the racecourse just the same. I once lay on the grass listening to the voice of the land of Libei. When I left, I even wanted to take a handful of its soil with me.”
“I once stood atop the tallest tower in Qudu and tried to look toward Libei. But even if one soared into the clouds, it could not be seen. That was when I first understood that returning was something distant and uncertain. I learned many things from my master, but it was only in Qudu that I truly began to understand them. I am an ambitious man. Qudu was the teacher that taught me to restrain those desires. Meeting Lanzhou was not an accident. He was the final barrier before my dam burst, and also the freedom and indulgence I regained.”
Xiao Chiye raised a finger as if drawing a line.
“I am whole now. The missing parts of me have been covered with steel. When I walk out of Qudu again, I will not stop. Twenty years ago or ten years ago, Father and Eldest Brother made the best choices possible. Now it is my turn. The mountains we cross are not always our enemies. I acknowledge the excellence of my father and brother. I admire and cherish them, but that belongs to ‘family,’ not to the Libei Iron Cavalry. We are wolves that have left the pack. Returning to the pack does not mean groveling beneath others. It means taking our rightful place from their hands.”
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp as a blade.
“Libei cannot lose again. This is not merely the Xiao family’s matter. I understand that. Eldest Brother and Father understand it as well. This iron wall must pass to a successor. Who will inherit it? Anyone who can bear its weight. What I am returning to is Libei, not merely my home. Guo Weil i is an old Libei general; he understands your roles better than anyone. He did not destroy Gu Jin’s eyes or ears—that was the most merciful warning he could give me. Pull yourselves together, Chenyang. Our opponents are all veterans hardened by countless battles. There is no battle that must be lost in this world. Those so-called impregnable walls and encirclements are illusions. I will return. I will have a Libei Iron Cavalry that belongs to me.”
Chenyang’s fingertips trembled. His kneeling legs had gone numb, and the numbness shot up his spine. Facing Xiao Chiye like this, the fear in his chest vanished beneath surging blood.
When Shen Zechuan came out, Chenyang had already withdrawn. Xiao Chiye was lying on the Xumi couch by the window, staring into space. The window was open, and a few threads of lotus fragrance drifted in from the corridor below. With one arm beneath his head, Xiao Chiye gazed at the starry sky from that slanted angle.
Shen Zechuan extinguished the candle and tossed his outer robe over the back of a chair. His finger brushed Xiao Chiye’s cheek—cool as it slid past, yet leaving behind a heat filled with excitement.
Xiao Chiye missed Shen Zechuan terribly. Urgently. Every inch of him ached with longing. After exhaustion came an unprecedented exhilaration. He had been riding hard for days and now could not sleep. In his eyes was the aggression only the two of them understood. Following the movement of Shen Zechuan’s finger, he hardened quickly.
A brief separation makes a reunion sweeter than a wedding night. There would be countless more separations in the future. In every moment alone together, Xiao Chiye invaded. It was as if he wanted to turn Shen Zechuan over and over, to penetrate him deeply, leaving his own scent while being filled with Shen Zechuan’s. Love could be expressed in countless ways, but at this moment they wanted the fiercest one.
The Xumi couch was too small for two. Xiao Chiye pulled down the bamboo curtain and covered the window. Lanzhou did not need moonlight; the softness laid bare there required only his gaze.
Shen Zechuan straddled Xiao Chiye as they kissed in the darkness. The warm breath from their noses tangled together, sliding along their necks, across their chests, even down to their lower abdomens. A flush spread across Shen Zechuan’s neck. Xiao Chiye felt it was a silent reward, just like Shen Zechuan’s trembling—an irresistible invitation.
Xiao Chiye was somewhat rough, forcing Shen Zechuan to tilt his head back and gasp. Shen Zechuan pressed against Xiao Chiye’s chest, trying to stop the fierce assault. Yet with tears in his eyes he looked down and coaxed Xiao Chiye with his gaze to continue—continue being rough, continue being wicked.
Everything was allowed.
That was what Shen Zechuan’s eyes said.
Xiao Chiye, full of vigor, fixed Shen Zechuan firmly against him. Both of them were breathing hard and neither looked away. Shen Zechuan’s hair gradually came loose. Amid the violent motion he clutched Xiao Chiye’s clothing until it wrinkled, trembling again and again.
“Put on a little more flesh,” Xiao Chiye said hoarsely, “Lanzhou.”
Shen Zechuan’s wet strands clung to his cheek. For a moment he could not find his voice. He exhaled a sigh and reached out as if to grasp something. But Xiao Chiye caught his hand and, before he could recover, entered him again after the intense gallop, this time slowly and gently.
If only it were not so deep.
Held upright like this by Xiao Chiye, Shen Zechuan’s thoughts scattered under the relentless thrusting. His misty eyes grew even more alluring, pleasure dampening the corners. His entire body was permeated by Xiao Chiye.
“Ce’an,” Shen Zechuan murmured at will. “A-Ye.”
Sweat beaded on Xiao Chiye.
Shen Zechuan lowered his head and brushed his nose along Xiao Chiye’s temples, scattering the droplets of sweat. With deliberate mischief he called, “Second Young Master.”
Xiao Chiye stopped abruptly. He seized Shen Zechuan’s face and kissed him fiercely through their gasps. All orderly things turned chaotic. The hidden anxiety was thrown into confusion by those few words. Xiao Chiye forgot everything. He needed nothing else. He only wanted Shen Zechuan.
The Xumi couch was not enough. The bedding from the bed was dragged onto the carpet. No one knew how long it lasted. The pillow on the blanket was soaked through. Shen Zechuan’s eyes narrowed; he was drenched, exhausted. Xiao Chiye supported himself on one arm and did not withdraw. Lowering his head, he pressed his forehead against Shen Zechuan’s and breathed softly.
“Lanzhou,” Xiao Chiye murmured, rubbing his sweaty forehead into Shen Zechuan’s neck hollow. “Lanzhou.”
Shen Zechuan raised a hand and covered Xiao Chiye’s hair. They clung together so closely, fitting perfectly. Shen Zechuan lifted his leg, signaling Xiao Chiye to press down. But Xiao Chiye did not lower his body. Instead he held him even tighter.
The embrace left Shen Zechuan struggling for breath. He rubbed the back of Xiao Chiye’s head unevenly, tilted his head, and blew softly into his ear.
“Little wolf.”
Xiao Chiye bit him.
Shen Zechuan laughed hoarsely. Feeling something flowing beneath them, he said, “It came out.”
Xiao Chiye kissed him instead. They rubbed against each other intimately, squeezing out more in their movements. Xiao Chiye even showed signs of rising again, drawing continuous sighs from Shen Zechuan. Xiao Chiye had intended to stop after being so rough, but when he saw Shen Zechuan’s expression he sank deep again.
Xiao Chiye cupped Shen Zechuan’s cheek and pushed two fingers between his lips and teeth. Shen Zechuan’s tongue had nowhere to hide. They were so close they shared the same breath, seeing every expression on the other’s face. The final time was not fierce but rather a long tenderness.
When it finally ended, Shen Zechuan could not even speak. His faint moans were swallowed by Xiao Chiye. In the warm dampness he grasped Xiao Chiye’s chin. Tears seeped into his hair at the temples. Xiao Chiye finally lowered his body and pressed against him.
Both were exhausted. Shen Zechuan could barely keep his eyes open. Still holding Xiao Chiye’s chin, he felt Xiao Chiye give a small laugh before leaning over to kiss him. After a while, they remained like that, pressed together, and fell asleep.
Xiao Chiye did not dream.
By the time morning came it was already late. Xiao Chiye had just returned with the troops, and no one would have blamed him for sleeping longer, but he woke quickly. The lovemaking had dispelled the emotions he might otherwise have suppressed. When he got up, Shen Zechuan began to wake as well. Xiao Chiye pulled the blanket over him and kissed him back to sleep.
“Military affairs,” Shen Zechuan murmured sleepily in the dimness, struggling with his eyes closed. “Later… this afternoon I will go…”
“The matter of the Cizhou garrison can wait,” Xiao Chiye said. “First I must settle the matter of Lei Jingzhe with Zhou Gui.”
“One hour,” Shen Zechuan sighed. “After one hour I will come.”
“You can go tomorrow instead,” Xiao Chiye said. “There is no need to rush these few days. Sleep. I will come back at noon for lunch and invite Master as well.”
Shen Zechuan murmured assent, whether he had heard clearly or not. After bathing, Xiao Chiye changed his robe. He did not call anyone in to clean the room. Leaving Ding Tao and Gu Jin guarding the courtyard, he took Chenyang and Qiao Tianya with him and departed early.
Zhou Gui had already discussed matters with his aides in the study for several rounds. When Xiao Chiye finally arrived, he hurried out to greet him, dismissed the others, and had Kong Ling serve tea.
Xiao Chiye was not especially amiable today. The usual frivolous arrogance had vanished completely. When he entered, the pressure he carried made the two men hardly dare to breathe loudly. Something weighed on his mind, so after sitting down he spoke without preamble.
“I let Lei Jingzhe escape in the east. In three days he should reach Dunzhou.”
Kong Ling had counted the bandits the previous night. Not seeing Lei Jingzhe had already aroused suspicion. Hearing this now dispelled it. They had grown familiar with Xiao Chiye and were no longer as stiff as before. After clearing his throat, he said, “Your Lordship must have your own plan.”
Zhou Gui asked, “Lei Jingzhe is a cunning man. Did Your Lordship release him in order to recruit him?”
“This man is too shrewd. He is not the sort to willingly serve others,” Xiao Chiye said coldly. “During this campaign we captured most of his forces, but he still has men left in Luoshan. Moreover, even if there is no Lei Jingzhe, there will be another Lei Jingzhe. Until Cizhou establishes its own garrison army, it will be difficult to eradicate the problem once and for all.”
Kong Ling remembered what Shen Zechuan had said a few days earlier and nodded. “Indeed. As the Deputy Prefect said, as long as Zhongbo suffers from grain shortages, good commoners will still become bandits. Force alone cannot eliminate it.”
“Lei Jingzhe lost his right-hand men this time yet managed to escape from me alone. Even if he speaks eloquently, he cannot wash away suspicion among the bandits,” Xiao Chiye said. “I will give him another push and turn him into the ‘Imperial Army spy’ that the bandits of Dunzhou and Duanzhou will attack together. This man is capable; he will not wait passively for death. In that case the bandits will fall into endless internal conflict and will have no time to target Cizhou.”
Hearing this, Kong Ling asked, “Your Lordship has considered Cizhou so carefully. Are you planning to return to Libei?”
Xiao Chiye rotated his teacup. “Time waits for no one. War in Libei grows frequent. I cannot remain in Cizhou any longer. Besides, Qidong has already been delayed two months. Once Qi Zhuyin arrives it will be difficult to leave. After I depart Cizhou, Lanzhou will continue to support it with all his strength. When I led troops earlier I said I would not interfere with matters concerning the Cizhou garrison. But if the two of you still require the Imperial Army, simply have Lanzhou inform me. I will arrive within a single day.”
Those words carried layers of meaning. At least, that was how Kong Ling heard them.
By saying Shen Zechuan must inform him, Xiao Chiye made clear he would not act solely on Cizhou’s request. Whether he brought troops back would first depend on Shen Zechuan’s decision. And Shen Zechuan was not someone easily deceived; thus they could not trick the Imperial Army into marching by exploiting distance. There was another implication as well.
Kong Ling felt uneasy and wiped the sweat from his brow.
If Cizhou dared do anything to Shen Zechuan, Xiao Chiye would arrive within a single day.