Chapter 124: News of War

Unlike other noble families, Wei Wuji now had no one to put on a grand display for him. The only person who could guide him, Lan’er, had left without a backward glance.

Recalling the unhappy look in Lan’er’s eyes as she departed, Wei Wuji was deeply puzzled. How had he offended her?

“I haven’t even blamed her for spoiling my plans!” Wei Wuji thought with displeasure. If Zheng Dali dared to act like that, he would have already cursed him out in coarse language.

As his thoughts swirled, Wei Wuji reached the front courtyard and saw a middle-aged man in fine clothes standing beneath a tree by the gate.

“What trick are they trying this time?” Wei Wuji muttered inwardly. He had no fondness for these so-called brothers, only a latent hostility.

Before Wei Wuji could approach, the man under the tree spotted him and turned to face him directly.

“I am Yu Guang, steward of the Fourth Young Master’s residence. I pay my respects, Young Master!” The middle-aged man introduced himself and bowed to Wei Wuji.

“Oh? So courteous!” Wei Wuji thought with a hint of surprise. Among the people he had encountered lately, few were as considerate as this man.

“Please, no need for formalities,” Wei Wuji said calmly as he stepped forward.

Yu Guang slowly rose, momentarily puzzled. He had heard that the Fifth Young Master was ruthless, quick to draw his sword at the slightest provocation. But this man seemed surprisingly composed.

Having received orders from his master to come to Wei Wuji, Yu Guang was initially terrified, fearing a misstep might cost him his head.

After all, the affairs of the Gao family’s young master in Wuan City were well known among idle gossips.

Everyone knew the Gao young master had nearly been cut down by this fierce man before him.

Yu Guang studied Wei Wuji carefully and found him quite different from the rumors.

“War truly changes a person, reshaping their very nature. No wonder the Young Master is so interested in it,” Yu Guang thought.

Seeing that the man remained silent for a long moment, Wei Wuji lost patience and asked, “What business brings you to me?”

His voice was low and steady, carrying the unspoken authority of a seasoned commander.

Yu Guang tightened his focus, composed his words, and replied slowly, “I come on behalf of my master, the Fourth Young Master, inviting you to a gathering at Xiangling Hall two days hence, to share brotherly camaraderie.”

The invitation sounded so gracious that Wei Wuji found it almost unbelievable. Was this truly from a brother?

He recalled his own second brother, who had left a far deeper impression on him.

Moreover, was brotherly affection a luxury ever afforded in noble houses?

How could he decline? Wei Wuji pondered silently; he had no desire to attend any frivolous banquet, especially when traps might lurk.

Before he could think of an excuse, Yu Guang spoke again.

“This gathering will also see the young talents from the great families of Wuan City assembled. It promises to be a rare and splendid occasion.”

So it was a meeting of those idle scions? Wei Wuji sneered internally. What good could come of mingling with such people?

Just as he was about to refuse outright, Yu Guang continued.

“Such occasions are rare opportunities to unite the gifted. Many have risen to fame through them.”

The word “fame” stirred Wei Wuji’s curiosity.

Indeed, this gathering could serve as a grand stage, a chance to assess the noteworthy figures of Wuan City. This was something he urgently needed.

It would also allow him a rough gauge of the character of those he intended to eliminate.

Feigning sincerity, Wei Wuji said, “Since Fourth Young Master extends his invitation so warmly, I cannot oppose his wishes.”

“Does that mean you accept, Young Master?” Yu Guang asked cautiously.

“In two days, I will surely be at Xiangling Hall to pay my respects to Fourth Young Master,” Wei Wuji said with grave seriousness.

Yu Guang’s face brightened. “I will return to report immediately and come back to escort you then.”

“Very well, you may go,” Wei Wuji waved his hand, dismissing him.

After receiving Wei Wuji’s consent, Yu Guang bowed solemnly and then retreated slowly.

Once Yu Guang disappeared, Wei Wuji’s friendly expression vanished, replaced by a heavy seriousness.

He wanted to see if those people were truly as contemptible as Gao Yang and his ilk. The thought brought a cold smirk to his lips.

If that was the case, Wei Wuji could laugh—such fools posed no real threat.

Just as he turned to return inside, planning to share a moment of intimacy with Huan’er while the mood was right, a rough voice came from outside.

“Young Master… Young Master…”

Even with his eyes closed, Wei Wuji knew exactly who it was.

Sure enough, Zheng Dali burst in, hurried and breathless.

“How many times have I told you, stop shouting!” Wei Wuji scolded sharply. Why couldn’t the man listen?

“Young Master, there’s urgent news...” Zheng Dali panted, struggling to catch his breath.

“What urgent news?” Wei Wuji asked, noting the man’s earlier vigor had now faded.

“Young Master, there’s been a change in the eastern battlefront!” Zheng Dali reported.

Ah, news of the great war with Qi, Wei Wuji thought. That was indeed important.

“What’s the situation? Speak quickly...” Wei Wuji pressed, deeply concerned about the conflict’s outcome.

Wiping sweat with his sleeve, Zheng Dali said, “His Majesty personally led the army. After ten days of standoff with the Qi forces, the siege on Xiangping has finally been lifted.”

Wei Wuji’s interest heightened. “The Qi were defeated?”

Zheng Dali smiled broadly. “Yes! The siege of Xiangping’s county seat is broken, and the Qi have been pushed back.”

“I mean, have the Qi been driven out of Wei territory altogether?” Wei Wuji asked anxiously, frustrated by Zheng Dali’s slow comprehension.

“No, the messenger didn’t specify,” Zheng Dali scratched his head. He was too happy about the good news to pay close attention.

Wei Wuji fell silent, pondering the matter.

...

“Young Master, I think the Qi won’t last much longer. Once His Majesty and Marshal Gao join forces, they will surely defeat Qi in a decisive battle and push them south of the river,” Zheng Dali said optimistically, seeing Wei Wuji’s quiet demeanor.

Little did he know what Wei Wuji was truly thinking.

If the war ended so soon, his father would have to return, and then he could no longer act so recklessly. Wei Wuji was genuinely worried.

To be honest, though he had encountered many prominent figures since coming to this world, only Lord Wei inspired genuine fear in him.

Especially the scolding two months ago, which remained vivid in his memory.

Lord Wei’s ruthless methods commanded even Wei Wuji’s reluctant admiration.

For example, Wei Wuji could never bring himself to silence even innocent children, at least not yet.

“Let’s just hope Qi can hold out a little longer,” Wei Wuji murmured the forbidden wish under his breath.

“Enough fretting over such matters. How can you handle great affairs if you’re always so nervous?” Wei Wuji scolded sternly.

Zheng Dali looked innocent, thinking to himself, “I’m just a bodyguard—what great affairs could I possibly manage?”

Before Zheng Dali could ask further, he saw Wei Wuji walking away.