MSW Chapter47

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Lu Chong brought along thirty men, and Mu Peixuan contributed twenty of his own guards. With Zhou Zijing taking the lead, they slipped out of the camp in silence, not making a single sound.

 

Zhou Zijing had always been bold since he was young, but he never imagined he would be leading fifty men into the stronghold of Chai Meng’s ten thousand troops at Zhukou County. His heart was filled with uncertainty, but there was also an inexplicable excitement. Zhou Zijing only knew that Lu Chong was someone close to princess consort, and Mu Peixuan had instructed him to follow Lu Chong’s command no matter what, he had no objections. At first, he addressed Lu Chong as ‘Lord Lu’, but Lu Chong waved it off, saying, ‘What sort of lord am I?’

 

Zhou Zijing, not one to stand on ceremony, took the liberty of calling him “Brother Lu.” Lu Chong glanced at him and thought to himself that the kid was clever but still had the air of a bureaucrat, lacking the roughness of a bandit. Lu Chong, who had once joined the bandits with his family, found himself growing bored during their journey and decided to teach these personal guards how to behave like bandits. By the time they returned, Mu Peixuan noticed that his well-disciplined guards had picked up some unsavory traits. This, however, was a later matter.

 

This just proved that it’s much easier to learn bad habits than to learn good ones.

 

Lu Chong was open and straightforward, with a keen eye for detail, while Zhou Zijing was sharp and clever. Over time, they found themselves growing quite fond of each other.

 

Zhukou County.

 

Chai Meng was leisurely feeding fish, holding the fish food in one hand while gently cradling his newly acquired Kunze. The garden he stood in was the most beautiful in Zhukou County. Originally the private estate of a wealthy landowner, Chai Meng had taken it over after capturing the county.

 

The entire Zhukou was his now, and naturally, this house was no exception.

 

In his arms was also a Kunze, the illegitimate son of a local landowner in Zhukou County, with rather handsome features. The youth had been sent to serve Chai Meng the very night he arrived in Zhukou, assigned as a footman to warm his bed. Chai Meng liked people who knew their place and could play their role.

 

Ten years ago, Chai Meng would never have imagined that he could enjoy such luxuries.

 

No wonder the operas sing of how the times create heroes. It was precisely this chaotic world that made a hero out of someone like Chai Meng. His heart was filled with ambition and grand ideals. Recently, he had taken in many followers, including scholars. They often told him that “noblemen and ministers are no different in essence,” a phrase he didn’t fully understand at first. One scholar, with a forced smile, explained that throughout history, even the emperors who once reigned started as commoners, just like the founding emperor of the Daliang dynasty, who, before rising to power, was merely a lowly jailkeeper.

 

Chai Meng didn’t like scholars. Most of them were self-righteous and looked down on him. Many of these intellectuals ended up becoming victims of his sword.

 

But no tyrant’s rule was ever without the counsel of scholars.

 

Chai Meng also aspired to become a hegemon. Even though he now served under Liu Ziyi, Liu Ziyi had once been nothing more than a dock laborer. If someone like that could call himself king today, then one day Chai Meng might very well replace him — such was the ever-swelling ambition that filled his heart. When he first aligned himself with Liu Ziyi, it was merely because Liu Ziyi was so powerful; Chai Meng had gone along with it, hoping to secure a military rank and bring honor to his family.

 

But after conquering one county after another, Chai Meng was no longer content with merely being a general.

 

Liu Ziyi’s swift victories in Fengzhou and Liangzhou owed much to his own efforts.

 

He tossed a handful of fish feed into the pond and watched the fish thrash and swarm in a frenzy, pride swelling within him. Just then, a soldier came to report that a man claiming to be Lu Chong from Pinggang Stronghold had come to seek an audience with the general.

 

Chai Meng was briefly stunned, then quickly recalled who Lu Chong was.

 

Before arriving at Zhukou County, Lu Chong had already warned Zhou Zijin: back in the day, Chai Meng had been expelled from Pinggang Stronghold by his elder brother, so today he would likely be subjected to some humiliation. No matter what happened, he must endure it.

 

Zhou Zijin nodded solemnly.

 

Now, the few of them stood just outside Zhukou County, waiting for Chai Meng’s so-called “summons.”

 

They ended up waiting for a full hour.

 

Lu Chong, however, showed no sign of anger. Instead, his mind was turning over thoughts about Chai Meng. To be frank, Lu Chong looked down on Chai Meng. That was why, when his elder brother decided to drive Chai Meng out of the stronghold back then, he had not intervened. That said, Lu Chong and Chai Meng had never truly interacted, when Chai Meng had come to Pinggang, Lu Chong happened to be out on an errand. By the time he returned, Chai Meng was already on his way out.

 

Now that Chai Meng had “risen to glory,” it was only natural, given his love for grandeur and show, that he would want someone from his past to see the heights he had reached.

 

And without question, Lu Chong was the perfect choice for that role.

 

After all, Lu Chong had once been the Second-in-Command at Pinggang Stronghold, while back then, Chai Meng had only been a small-time leader in the same stronghold.

 

Lu Chong had been treated coldly, his subordinates, brothers who had followed him for many years, were quite displeased. One of them muttered softly, “Back then, Chai Meng wasn’t even worthy of holding Second Brother’s shoes, and now he’s acting so high and mighty—”

 

Lu Chong gave him a sharp glance, and the man immediately fell silent.

 

An hour later, a group of men on horseback finally appeared and approached Lu Chong.

 

“Are you Lu Chong?” One of them asked.

 

Lu Chong smiled lightly and replied, “That’s me.”

 

The man said, “Come, Big Brother wants to see you.”

 

Lu Chong responded and mounted his horse, following the group of men into Zhukou County. While conversing with them, Zhou Ziqin subtly surveyed the city gate’s defenses. The county was not large, but the security was tight, showing that Chai Meng indeed had some capability. When they arrived at Chai Meng’s residence, Lu Chong had already engaged in some back-and-forth with the man who led them in.

 

This man was called Zhu Dahu, also a mountain bandit.

 

Zhu Dahu was a man of middle temperament. His name was rough, but he had the demeanor of a smiling tiger. Zhou Ziqin listened as Lu Chong and Zhu Dahu subtly tested each other. Lu Chong was both forthright and evasive, appearing genuinely sincere, as if he were seeking to join Chai Meng for his future. If Zhou Ziqin hadn’t known their purpose, he might have been deceived by Lu Chong already.

 

Upon entering the residence, Zhou Ziqin saw Chai Meng. Chai Meng was tall, with a square face and thick eyebrows, exuding an undeniable bandit-like air. Upon seeing Lu Chong, he smiled and walked forward, greeting him, “Second-in-Command.”

 

“Commoner Lu Chong, greeting General Chai,” Lu Chong performed a great salute, but Chai Meng did not stop him. He waited until Lu Chong lowered his body before raising his hand in a casual gesture, saying, “Second-in-Command need not be so formal. It’s my subordinates’ fault, they didn’t inform me of your arrival until now, making the Second-in-Command wait for so long.”

 

Lu Chong smiled, “Not at all, General Chai. You are now highly favored by King Yi, and no doubt, you are busy with state affairs. It is Lu who has inconvenienced you.”

 

Chai Meng waved his hand dismissively, and the two sat down. A servant brought tea. Chai Meng said, “Second-in-Command, please have some tea. This tea was sent by that Qian fellow. He claims it’s a Longjing tea before the rain, but ai, I’m just a rough man, and I can’t tell if it’s any good.”

 

Lu Chong replied, “Tasting tea is something that scholars and the wealthy enjoy. Lu is just a rough man. No matter how good the tea is, it can never compare to the strong spirits at a tavern.”

 

Chai Meng burst into loud laughter and suddenly said, “But I heard that Boss Duan of the Duan family is quite fond of tea. You stayed by his side for so many years, what? Didn’t pick up even a bit of refinement?”

 

Lu Chong glanced at Chai Meng and smiled faintly. “Different paths will always be different paths. No matter how long the time is, we still can’t walk the same road.”

 

Chai Meng toyed with the teacup in his hand, saying nothing.

 

Lu Chong suddenly rose to his feet, cupped his hands, and said, “Let’s not beat around the bush, General Chai. Lu Chong is willing to join the Yi Army and serve the General and King Yi with all I have.”

 

Chai Meng’s eyes widened in surprise. “Second-in-Command, how can this be…”

 

Lu Chong said solemnly, “I’ve long ceased to be any kind of second-in-command.’ Just call me Lu Chong, General.”

 

Chai Meng spoke slowly, “It’s not that I’m unwilling, I just don’t understand. Back then, Second-in-Command Lu led the brothers of Pinggang Stronghold to join the Duan Trading Firm. I heard that Boss Duan held you in high regard. How could you bear to leave—”

 

Lu Chong replied, “General, people strive upward, and water flows downward. I only joined the Duan trading firm back then because the government troops pressed us too hard, I was just looking for a way to keep the brothers alive. As for that Boss Duan,” he pulled at the corner of his mouth, “Not to hide it from you, Duan Linzhou was poisoned and doesn’t have many years left. These days, he’s wary of me, watching me closely. I fear it won’t be long before he ‘kills the donkey after the grinding’s done’ and kicks me out.”

 

“People like us, even if we wash our hands clean, who will ever see us as proper citizens?”

 

“As for Duan Linzhou, he was a big shot in the past, but now he is getting sicker and more confused, he actually wants to marry off like a kunze and become someone’s wife,” Lu Chong said. “The Duan family may one day be renamed Mu. As for me, Lu Chong, I will not be a lapdog of the court.”

 

His words were resolute, and Chai Meng stared intently at Lu Chong before breaking into a smile. “I thought back then that Second-in-Command Lu was a heroic figure. It’s a pity we didn’t get to know each other better at the time…”

 

Lu Chong sighed and said, “Back then, it was really because Big Brother was too stubborn. I rushed back from the foot of the mountain hoping to persuade him, but he wouldn’t listen, and he even got angry with me over it—”

 

Chai Meng waved his hand. “That’s all in the past now.”

 

He added, “If Second-in-Command Lu is willing to join the Yi Army, I naturally welcome it wholeheartedly, but I still need to consult with King Yi.”

 

Lu Chong was delighted to hear this and said, “Many thanks, General Chai.” He signaled to Zhou Zijin, who stepped forward and presented the box he’d been carrying with both hands. When opened, it revealed a trove of gold, silver, and jewels. Lu Chong said, “Just a small token of respect.”

 

The smile on Chai Meng’s face became more genuine, and he had someone take the box. Yet he still feigned difficulty and said, “However… the only vacancy in my army at the moment is in the cooking camp…”

 

Lu Chong’s brow twitched, and though some displeasure showed on his face, he held it back and said, “The cooking camp is part of the army too. One can still make military achievements there.”

 

Chai Meng patted Lu Chong on the shoulder and said, “It’s just as well that Second-in-Command thinks this way.”

 

After Lu Chong and Zhou Zijin’s group left the main hall, one of the people who had entered with them grumbled, “Second Brother, how could he assign you to the cooking camp!”

 

Lu Chong shot him a glare, a trace of annoyance on his face, but still said, “You can earn merits even in the cooking camp.”

 

Once they were farther away, the irritation on Lu Chong’s face finally faded. Zhou Zijin, noticing it, widened his eyes at Lu Chong. Lu Chong gave a short snort of laughter and said, “With my temper, how could I be content being in a cooking unit? If I bowed and scraped too much, wouldn’t that just make Chai Meng suspicious?”

 

Zhou Zijin suddenly understood.

 

After a while, Zhou Zijin leaned in and asked in a low voice, “Second Brother, you’re not really planning to turn against Junwang Fei, are you?”

 

Lu Chong: “……”

 

“Come here.”

 

Zhou Zhijin shut his mouth and shook his head.

 

A hint of threat appeared on Lu Chong’s face. Zhou Zhijin slowly approached, only to be caught by Lu Chong, who wrapped his arm around his neck. Zhou Zhijin let out a yelp and struggled, but Lu Chong gave a light hum and said, “Do you think I, Lu Chong, am someone you can mess with?”

 

He whispered in Zhou Zhijin’s ear, “Chai Meng definitely won’t fully believe what I said today. He might even send someone to keep an eye on me.”

 

“Be sharp, and find an opportunity to get the defense layout of Zhukou County.”

 

Zhou Zhijin stopped struggling and replied, “Understood.”

 

After they left the hall, Chai Meng grabbed the jewelry box Lu Chong had brought and said to Zhu Dahu, “Find someone to keep a close watch on Lu Chong.”

 

Zhu Dahu asked, “Boss, do you think Lu Chong is lying to you?”

 

“Then should we just directly—” Zhu Dahu made a slicing gesture across his neck.

 

Chai Meng said, “No rush. He’s come to join me. If I kill him like this, how would others dare to join me?”

 

“I need to keep him alive to show that we have the capacity to accept people.”

 

Zhu Dahu thought for a moment and laughed, “Boss is wise.”

 

Chai Meng replied, “On our turf, even if he stirs trouble, it won’t matter.”

 

As Lu Chong had anticipated, Chai Meng did not fully trust him. Lu Chong, being sharp, could sense the hidden eyes watching him.

 

He pulled at the corner of his mouth, pretending not to notice. The next day, someone came looking for him, telling him that they all had to go to the cooking camp, and they were scattered, with fifty of them being split up. Fortunately, Zhou Zhijin stayed with Lu Chong.

 

The two of them entered Chai Meng’s Cooking Camp together.

 

Lu Chong was clearly not the type to stay quietly in the Cooking Camp. He was a newcomer, and newcomers often get bullied, but Lu Chong didn’t show any tolerance and fought back. In just half a day, no one dared to provoke Lu Chong and Zhou Zhijin again. Chai Meng seemed to be completely unaware of this.

 

The two were sent to wash vegetables. As Lu Chong rubbed the leaves, he whispered to Zhou Zhijin, “When we get back, ask His Highness to invite me for a drink.”

 

Zhou Zhijin grinned and said, “Second Brother, take me along too. I want to drink as well.”

 

Lu Chong sighed, “If people knew I, Lu Chong, was here rubbing vegetable leaves, my entire reputation would be ruined.”

 

Zhou Zhijin, however, was more easygoing and said, “I think rubbing vegetable leaves isn’t too bad. And, not to mention, these vegetables are pretty fresh too. They must taste good.”

 

Lu Chong: “……”

 

Zhou Zhijin was quick-witted, sweet-tongued, and naturally had a friendly face, which made him more approachable than Lu Chong. The two played their parts well, with one playing the red face and the other playing the white face[mfn]”One plays the red face, the other plays the white face” is a Chinese idiom that refers to a tactic where two people take on opposing roles to create a balance.[/mfn]. In just a few days, Zhou Zhijin had already blended in smoothly in the cooking camp.

 

Ten days later, Zhou Zhijin managed to sketch out the defensive layout of Zhukou County.

 

During this period of time, while Lu Chong stayed hidden in Zhukou County, Mu Peixuan continued to feign an attack on Bu’er Pass. He was waiting, waiting for news from Lu Chong.

 

One day, a messenger brought a secret letter, which contained the defensive map that Zhou Zhijin had drawn.

 

Mu Peixuan immediately mobilized his troops and secretly set off toward Zhukou County.

 

He arrived quickly and urgently. The battle drums and the sound of horses’ hooves shattered the quiet dawn of Zhukou County. The panicked city guards had no time to react before being silently slit by unknown assailants. Outside the city walls, the siege formations were loud and imposing, capturing everyone’s attention.

 

Suddenly, with a loud crash, the city gates swung open. It was the elite forces that Lu Chong had led into Zhukou County, taking advantage of the chaos to open the gates.

 

At this moment, Lu Chong did not rush to meet Mu Peixuan at the city gates. Instead, he quietly slipped into the house where Chai Meng resided. Like a seasoned hunter, he lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and end his opponent in one swift blow.

 

“Report! The city gates are under attack! The city gates are under attack!”

 

The scouts’ urgent reports echoed through the air, and the lights in the mansion flickered on. Chai Meng’s room also lit up. Lu Chong’s hand brushed against the sword at his waist, gently running his fingers along the intricate patterns on the shark-skin sheath. This sword was a gift from Duan Linzhou.

 

At that time, he had just led the brothers from Pinggang Stronghold to join Duan Linzhou. During one of their sea voyages, they encountered a large group of pirates, and his sword was broken in the battle. Later, Duan Linzhou had this sword specially crafted for him, smiling and saying that a hero deserved such a weapon, this was a sword for a man of action.

 

The sword was a famous one, forged by artisans of the previous dynasty, and was named Jinghong.

 

Amid the chaos in the courtyard, Lu Chong took the opportunity to slip inside. Chai Meng was in the process of putting on his armor when, by chance, he caught a flash of cold light in the copper mirror. His reflexes were quick, and he pushed the attendant who was helping him into his armor out of the way.

 

Chai Meng gritted his teeth and shouted, “Lu Chong!”

 

Lu Chong flashed a grin and said, “No wonder Boss says that some people won’t look like a crown prince even if he wears the dragon robe. I’d never seen it before, but today I’ve certainly gained some insight now.”

 

He used the back of his blade to push aside the attendant who had been shoved toward him, raised his sword with both hands, and charged at Chai Meng. He said, “Chai Meng, you’re not fit to be a bandit, and as a general—”

 

“Tsk, do you even think you’re worthy?”

 

Chai Meng was furious, drawing his own blade and immediately clashing with Lu Chong. The room was filled with screams, accompanied by the sounds of tables and chairs being smashed.

 

When Lu Chong’s initial strike failed, he aimed to entangle Chai Meng and buy time. However, this was Chai Meng’s residence, and his personal guards soon arrived. The room was too small, and the two fought their way into the courtyard. Chai Meng sneered, saying, “You still dare to stay here, Lu Chong? Should Laozi say you have guts or that you’re simply courting death?”

 

Lu Chong smiled, “With you, you can’t kill me.”

 

He spoke lightly, but his heart was far from at ease. Chai Meng didn’t want to engage in a prolonged fight, so he ordered his guards to fire arrows. Lu Chong parried with his blade, but it was difficult for him to break free. Suddenly, an arrow shot toward his back, and just as Lu Chong was about to be struck, he saw another arrow coming from an unexpected angle. It collided with the first arrow, knocking it off course.

 

Lu Chong looked up to see none other than Zhou Zhijin.

 

With a bow and arrow in hand, Zhou Zhijin swiftly shot down several of Chai Meng’s guards. Seizing the opportunity, Lu Chong charged toward Chai Meng with his sword raised.

 

The battle was bloody.

 

Mu Peixuan came prepared, armed with a detailed defense map of Zhukou County. As the sky began to lighten, he led his troops directly into the county.

 

The iron cavalry charged straight towards Chai Meng’s residence.

 

Mu Peixuan’s expression was grim as they advanced, cutting down or capturing enemies along the way. When they reached the main courtyard, they saw Lu Chong, Zhou Zijing, and several other elite soldiers drenched in blood. The ground was littered with both their own men and Chai Meng’s personal guards.

 

And there, Chai Meng was pierced through the chest by Lu Chong’s sword.

 

Lu Chong said, “Your Highness, Lu Chong has not failed the mission.”

 

Zhukou County had fallen.

 

The next day, the rebellion suppression army passed through Zhukou County and arrived at the gates of Anyang City.

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T/N: New arts from the audio drama guys~~~