MSW Chapter26

55

Liu Sanjiu arrived two days later than expected. Worried, Lu Chong informed Duan Linzhou before leading a team out of the city to meet him.

 

Liu Sanjiu was always cautious and thorough in his actions, and with Lu Chong accompanying him, Duan Linzhou felt slightly more at ease. They returned at dusk, just as Duan Linzhou was having dinner with Mu Peixuan. Upon hearing the report from a servant, Duan Linzhou immediately had them invited in and ordered additional bowls and chopsticks to be set.

 

This was Mu Peixuan’s first time meeting Liu Sanjiu. The Kunze standing before him wasn’t tall, at least a head shorter than Lu Chong, who was a Tianqian, with a slender build and two sheathed curved blades hanging at his waist, drawing attention. Liu Sanjiu’s features were delicate and refined, with a small mole on the bridge of his nose, giving him an almost harmless appearance. Yet his eyes carried a blade-like coldness, and with his chin slightly raised, there was a faint trace of defiance in his bearing.

 

“Greetings, Boss, Your Highness.” The two saluted Duan Linzhou and Mu Peixuan.

 

Duan Linzhou rose and took a couple of steps closer, his gaze settling on Liu Sanjiu. “It’s good that you’ve returned safely.”

 

Liu Sanjiu lifted his face to look at Duan Linzhou. The coldness in his eyes melted like spring water, and he softly said, “Boss, Sanjiu has failed in his task. Please punish me.”

 

Liu Sanjiu and Lu Chong had both freshened up before coming in, they no longer bearing the dust of their long journey, though the shadows under Liu Sanjiu’s eyes still hinted at its hardship.

 

Duan Linzhou shook his head and smiled. “No need to say such things. You came straight here after returning and haven’t eaten yet, have you? Sit down.”

 

He spoke without formality. Both Lu Chong and Liu Sanjiu looked toward Mu Peixuan, who said, “Sit.”

 

The two responded, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

 

Liu Sanjiu instinctively moved to sit beside Duan Linzhou, but Lu Chong held him back by the arm, and the two of them sat at the lower end of the table.

 

Duan Linzhou said, “No need to be so formal, just treat it like you’re at the Duan Mansion.”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Chong and Liu Sanjiu glanced at Mu Peixuan once more, then lowered their eyes and quietly picked up their silver chopsticks. Neither the Mu family nor the Duan family upheld strict rules about silence during meals, so when Duan Linzhou inquired about what had happened on the road, Liu Sanjiu and Lu Chong finally opened up.

 

Liu Sanjiu’s group was large and had disguised the transported grain, posing as cloth merchants. Along the way, some people were tempted by their carts full of goods, but seeing their numbers, well-forged weapons, and the prominently displayed Duan family banner, most didn’t dare make a move. The journey went smoothly until they passed Linyang Mountain, where they encountered a large number of refugees fleeing from Fengzhou and Longzhou. These people were all in rags, gaunt from hunger, and upon seeing Liu Sanjiu’s group with horses and cargo, their eyes turned red with desperation, and they set their sights on them.

 

Faced with vicious bandits, Liu Sanjiu wouldn’t flinch, but when it came to over a hundred unarmed refugees, he hesitated. He had once fled famine himself and knew all too well what desperate, starving people were capable of. If he struck, it might only intimidate them temporarily, but it could also provoke them into a reckless frenzy.

 

And this was before they even knew the cargo was grain — if they discovered it was food, they might completely lose control.

 

But if he let them draw closer, the entire trip would be for nothing. Liu Sanjiu had thought about tossing them some of his own rations, but a few of the refugees were already eyeing the cargo strapped to their horses. As ruthless as he was, Liu Sanjiu’s hands were already stained with the blood from years passed. He drew his bow without hesitation and shot down the loudest of the refugees, arrows piercing through them, blood splattering everywhere.

 

That display of force stunned the rest into a fearful halt, and for a moment, none dared to approach. Yet they clung to the convoy like leeches, impossible to shake off. Their cargo was heavy, and their pace slow, they dared not let their guard down for even a moment. Along the way, they subsisted on a few bites of hard biscuits, but the countless hungry, desperate eyes fixed on them sent chills down their spines.

 

Just as Liu Sanjiu was on the verge of resorting to a full massacre, Lu Chong arrived with reinforcements.

 

Even so, they still had to abandon three carts of grain to make their escape.

 

Liu Sanjiu and Lu Chong gave a concise report of what had happened. Duan Linzhou, experienced as he was in the merchant trade, could immediately sense how perilous the situation had been, but what struck him even more was how far the refugees had already spread, a clear sign of just how severe the disasters in Fengzhou and Longzhou really were.

 

And the worse the disaster, the stronger the uprising’s momentum would become.

 

Duan Linzhou and Mu Peixuan exchanged a glance, each catching the unspoken message in the other’s eyes.

 

Lu Chong and Liu Sanjiu didn’t stay long. Duan Linzhou gave a few more instructions, not avoiding Mu Peixuan in the slightest.

 

Just as Liu Sanjiu and Lu Zhong were about to leave the Marquis Mansion, Mu Peixuan suddenly sensed a sharp gaze on him. He looked up and met Liu Sanjiu’s eyes directly.

 

Liu Sanjiu had turned to look back at him. The Kunze’s figure was hidden in the shadows, and his cold eyes, like a venomous snake’s, stared straight at him with barely concealed hostility.

 

Mu Peixuan held his gaze, calm and unflinching.

 

After a moment, Liu Sanjiu turned and walked out through the archway.

 

At first, the uprising in Fengzhou didn’t attract much attention. It was merely a group of lowly commoners shouting about rebellion, like ants making noise. And since it was so far from Liangdu, the capital didn’t take it seriously at all, merely issuing an order for the neighboring prefectures to send troops to quell the unrest.

 

But no one expected the situation to escalate so quickly, the ranks of the rebel army grew rapidly. Then, Liu Ziyi led the uprising forces out of Fengzhou. Not only did they seize Liangzhou, which bordered Fengzhou and Longzhou, but they also marched their troops straight toward Wanzhou.

 

In just a few short days, they captured several counties in succession and advanced all the way to Heyang, the prefectural city of Wanzhou.

 

The entire realm was shaken.

 

The governor of Wanzhou sent an urgent plea for aid to Ruizhou, and at the same time, an imperial edict was delivered to Marquis Annan Mansion via an express courier riding eight hundred li per day. The decree commanded Marquis Annan, Mu Peizhi, to lead his troops to suppress the rebellion and set out at once.

 

56

In the study room of Marquis Annan Mansion.

 

The urgent imperial edict still lay on Mu Peizhi’s desk. Both brothers sat in the study, and ever since the imperial envoy entered the mansion and read the decree aloud, a shadow had loomed over the household.

 

After hosting the envoy and seeing him off, Mu Peizhi and Mu Peixuan, as if by tacit understanding, headed straight to the study together.

 

Mu Peizhi looked at the urgent imperial edict. Marquis Annan Mansion was already responsible for guarding the border, and as the Marquis Annan, it was only natural that he be sent to suppress the rebellion in Fengzhou and Longzhou. This time, Mu Peizhi was appointed as the general, with Zhou Ting, the commander of the Binnan Guards, as his deputy. Zhao Qianhou, an imperial envoy, would also accompany them as the military inspector, his role was to act as the emperor’s eyes and ears.

 

Mu Peizhi turned to Mu Peixuan and said, “The military situation is urgent. I’ll leave the matters of the mansion in your hands.”

 

Mu Peixuan hesitated for a moment, then whispered, “Big Brother, let me go with you.”

 

The imperial edict clearly stated that Mu Peizhi was to take command, but Mu Peixuan, opting for a more indirect approach, explained, “I have a feeling that the rebellion in Fengzhou is a bit strange…”

 

Mu Peizhi asked, “What do you mean by strange?”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “It’s hard to say exactly, but both Liu Ziyi and the peasant rebellion give me the sense that this has been planned for a long time.”

 

Mu Peizhi looked at Mu Peixuan, smiled, and said, “I’ll be careful. However, you should stay in Ruizhou. Ruizhou needs someone to hold the fort.”

 

Mu Peixuan furrowed his brows tightly. Mu Peizhi continued, “There’s no need to worry too much. Zhou Ting has fought in the northern borders for many years and is an experienced general. Besides, what we’re facing this time is just a group of refugees. With the elite troops from the Southern Border, the rebels won’t have a chance.”

 

Seeing that Mu Peizhi had made up his mind, Mu Peixuan had no choice but to give in.

 

This time, not only would Mu Peizhi be heading to the frontlines, but Xu Ying and Li Yue were also in the ranks.

 

Mu Peixuan watched as the two of them donned their military uniforms, and his brows furrowed. Xu Ying flashed him a grin, and when no one was paying attention, he nudged Mu Peixuan with his shoulder and said, “Are you envious?”

 

Mu Peixuan responded coolly, “What is there for me to be envious of?”

 

Xu Ying chuckled, saying, “With all my skills, I finally have a chance to put them to use. Besides, this time I’m going to earn some merit. Once I do, Headmaster Fang won’t be able to stop me from marrying Yuan Ge’er anymore.”

 

He continued, “Too bad you can’t come along.”

 

“We’ve always done everything together, but for something this big, you have to stay in Ruizhou,” Xu Ying muttered, lowering his voice. “How about you come with us too?”

 

Mu Peixuan watched the soldiers on the training grounds, their ranks orderly. Four years ago, they had quelled the Arles rebellion, but the Southern Border Troops had also suffered heavy losses. Since then, many soldiers have been recruited. Over the past few years, there had been no major wars, and the soldiers seemed to have forgotten the cruelty of battle, slowly becoming accustomed to a life of peace. Now, with this civil unrest, it might just serve as a sharpening stone for them.

 

Upon hearing Xu Ying’s words, Mu Peixuan’s heart stirred. Of course, he wanted to go, but the imperial decree mentioned Mu Peizhi’s name. If he went without a decree, it would be easy for rumors to spread.

 

Li Yue nudged Xu Ying and whispered, “The rebels have already reached Heyang. If we all leave, what if they double back to Ruizhou? And don’t forget, behind Ruizhou lie those suspicious barbarian tribes.”

 

Xu Ying thought for a moment, nodded and said, “True,” he then looked at Mu Peixuan and smiled, “Xiao Junwang can wait in Ruizhou. It won’t be long before we return.”

 

Mu Peixuan spoke, “Don’t be careless. If the rebel army were truly just a rabble, how could they have taken two states in such a short time and even reached the capital city of Wanzhou?”

 

Xu Ying paused, then his expression grew serious. “Got it, I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

Mu Peizhi led the army of 80,000 out of Ruizhou City in a grand, imposing procession.

 

The day they left the city was the day before the Lantern Festival. The winter sky was overcast, shrouded in a thin layer of mist.

 

Mu Peixuan and Duan Linzhou stood on the city wall, watching the long procession of troops wind away like a dragon. Once the last of the troops had disappeared from view, they turned and walked down from the city tower. Just as Duan Linzhou was about to board his carriage, he spotted a tall figure entering the city through the city gates. The person wore a veil and a dark blue satin cloak, walking ahead with two young attendants trailing behind, exuding a graceful elegance, like bamboo swaying in the wind or the quiet charm of orchids.

 

Duan Linzhou paused briefly. The other person seemed to sense it and turned to look his way. Then, the veil was lifted, and his gaze met Duan Linzhou’s directly.

 

It was Fang Yuan.

 

Fang Yuan slightly leaned forward and saluted, saying, “Your Highness, Boss Duan.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and said, “Young Master Fang is here to see off Xu Qianhu?”

 

Fang Yuan chuckled and replied calmly, “Just came to take a look.”

 

Duan Linzhou then suggested, “Young Master Fang, why don’t we go back to the city together?”

 

“Thank you, Boss Duan,” Fang Yuan smiled, “But I still need to go to Qinghua Pavilion to buy an inkstone for my father. I won’t trouble you and Your Highness any longer.”

 

Duan Linzhou didn’t mind and smiled, “Then we’ll head back first.”

 

“Please.” Fang Yuan replied.

 

The Lantern Festival was considered a grand occasion in Ruizhou, and in previous years, even before nightfall, the city would become lively. The sweet scent of lanterns mixed with the smell of burning fireworks, and the entire night would be as bright as day. Perhaps due to the ongoing war and snow disasters, the Lantern Festival atmosphere in the city felt much more subdued this year. Marquis Annan Mansion had had no interest in celebrating either.

 

Duan Linzhou simply pulled Mu Peixuan along, and they left the Marquis Mansion. The streets of Ruizhou were not as they had been in the past, adorned with colorful lanterns and bright lights; even fireworks only sporadically shot up here and there, creating a sense of emptiness and melancholy.

 

Duan Linzhou and Mu Peixuan walked down the long street of Ruizhou. People strolled in pairs or small groups, attempting to soak in a bit of the holiday cheer and the festive atmosphere. Small vendors had set up stalls, adorned with various colorful lanterns, their calls mixing with the chatter of the crowd.

 

On a whim, Duan Linzhou tossed a string of copper coins to one of the vendors, then handed a lotus-shaped lantern to Mu Peixuan, also picking one up for himself. He shook it lightly and gently tapped Mu Peixuan’s lantern with his own.

 

Mu Peixuan paused for a moment before asking, “Why buy this?”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and replied, “It’s for the occasion.”

 

Mu Peixuan gazed into Duan Linzhou’s eyes. Dressed in a snow-white brocade cloak, his jade crown neatly securing his hair, and holding a lantern, Duan Linzhou wore a subtle smile that seemed to brighten everything around him. Looking at him, Mu Peixuan felt as though the fog in his heart had been lifted, and everything seemed clearer. He lowered his eyes, glancing at the lantern in his hands. Then, he gently tapped Duan Linzhou’s lantern with his own. At that, Duan Linzhou laughed out loud.

 

Mu Peixuan said, “I thought the city would be quite quiet tonight.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and replied, “People are often called ants, insignificant and fragile. But honestly, I think it’s more fitting to call them spring grass. No matter what they’ve been through, as long as there’s life left, they’ll rise again and live once more.”

 

Mu Peixuan pondered for a moment. Duan Linzhou led him to a small stall on a street corner with a tea stall sign. The stall owners were a couple in their fifties. Duan Linzhou sat down comfortably and asked Mu Peixuan, “Don’t be fooled by how simple this stall looks. They’ve been making and selling tangyuan[mfn]Sweet dumplings[/mfn] every Lantern Festival for over twenty years.”

 

“What kind of filling do they have for the tangyuan?”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “Sesame filling.”

 

Duan Linzhou called out, “Boss, one bowl of sesame-filled tangyuan and one bowl of sweet rice wine tangyuan.”

 

The boss responded, and with only a few customers at the stall that night, the couple moved quickly. Soon, they brought over two steaming bowls of tangyuan. Seeing Duan Linzhou, the boss smiled and said, “Boss Duan, you’re here.”

 

“Uncle Li, Happy New Year,” Duan Linzhou smiled, just about to roll up his sleeves to pick up the tangyuan, but Mu Peixuan had already pushed the bowl of sweet rice wine tangyuan toward him. Duan Linzhou placed two thick porcelain spoons into the bowl and said to Mu Peixuan, “Try it.”

 

The boss laughed and said, “Happy New Year! I thought you wouldn’t come this year.”

 

Duan Linzhou replied, “How could that be? Without your tangyuan, this festival wouldn’t feel right at all.”

 

He spoke lightly, and the boss was even happier, saying, “Take your time, gentlemen. Call out if you need anything.”

 

Duan Linzhou responded with a cheerful “Aye,” and said, “You go ahead and keep busy.”

 

Mu Peixuan scooped up a white, plump tangyuan and asked, “Does Boss Duan come here often?”

 

Duan Linzhou nodded and replied, “I’ve come at least once every year in recent years. The first time was to accompany Weirui to the lantern festival. When we got tired, we would rest here, that’s when I discovered that their tangyuan is really good.”

 

Mu Peixuan took a bite and found the tangyuan soft and glutinous, with a smooth, sweet sesame filling, indeed — very good. Duan Linzhou smiled and asked, “Is it good?”

 

Mu Peixuan glanced at Duan Linzhou and nodded. Duan Linzhou then pushed his bowl of tangyuan toward him, saying, “Try mine. I don’t like them too sweet. Every time I come, I always have the wine-soaked tangyuan.”

 

Mu Peixuan scooped up a spoonful, but then paused, bringing it to Duan Linzhou’s lips first. Duan Linzhou froze for a moment, instinctively glancing around, his ears flushing slightly. He mumbled, “You eat first.”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “Open your mouth.”

 

Duan Linzhou gave him a glance, then chuckled softly, “When did Xiao Junwang learn to be so considerate?”

 

Mu Peixuan’s expression didn’t change as he said, “When have I ever not been considerate?”

 

Duan Linzhou let out a quiet sigh and said, “I just wonder who it was back then that wouldn’t even drink the nuptial wine with me.”

 

Mu Peixuan recalled that less-than-pleasant wedding night, pressed his lips together, looked at Duan Linzhou, and softly said, “Duan Linzhou…”

 

Duan Linzhou said, “Hm?” He looked up at Mu Peixuan’s expression, then immediately laughed and said, “My Xiao Junwang, you didn’t take it seriously, did you? I was just teasing.”

 

He leaned in and ate the spoonful of small tangyuan from Mu Peixuan’s hand, then added, “Just joking, that’s all old, trivial stuff.”

 

But Mu Peixuan had taken it to heart. He thought their marriage had been held with great fanfare, but if it had been up to his mother and elder brother, they likely wouldn’t have wanted such a grand affair. At the time, he himself hadn’t wanted to marry either, and Duan Linzhou must have put in no small amount of effort to make it happen.

 

Back then, when he hadn’t cared, it barely crossed his mind. But now that Duan Linzhou had caught his eye and heart, everything had changed. Past events surged like a rising tide. Duan Linzhou had never voiced any grievances, yet now Mu Peixuan could sense faint traces of resentment woven between the lines.

 

Duan Linzhou’s parents had long since passed, and he had arranged the entire wedding on his own. It had been a lavish affair, yet what he got in return was a wedding night like that, without even sharing a cup of nuptial wine.

 

Mu Peixuan softly asked, “Were you very upset back then?”

 

Duan Linzhou paused for a moment, then smiled. “Upset? Not quite. After all, it was me who forced you to marry me…”

 

And yet, undeniably, there had been a faint thread of disappointment.

 

As he was speaking, Mu Peixuan’s peripheral vision caught a flash of cold light. His expression turned cold, and he raised his hand to draw a wooden chopstick from a bamboo tube, using it to knock aside a crossbow bolt that had been shot at high speed from an unknown direction.

 

Suddenly, several dozen figures appeared on the street, all dressed in black, their faces covered by ghastly masks resembling demons with sharp fangs. They brandished long swords, their murderous intent palpable as they charged toward the small tea stall.