Chapter 22: Let’s Sing Together

Joyful days arrived suddenly. Wei Wuke, once despondent, quickly regained his spirits after receiving the heartfelt support of his soldiers.

On the journey home, the group traveled with laughter and cheer, faces aglow with the warmth of spring—or at least, that was how it seemed. But in truth, the Wei army led by Wei Wuke looked nothing like it did when they first set out. Their clothing was in tatters.

Wei Wuke had hoped to return in style, but he was the one who had ordered the abandonment of all supplies to hasten their retreat. Now, the Wei soldiers could only return home in rags. In a sense, it was a classic case of an inept general burdening his troops; Wei Wuke, a newcomer to command, had already managed to put them in a difficult spot.

Yet, despite this, he still earned the soldiers’ loyalty—a rare occurrence indeed.

Wei Wuke’s guilt toward his subordinates was genuine. He and his predecessor had put them through such hardship that his conscience couldn’t bear it. Still, seeing everyone so happy now, he certainly wouldn’t spoil the mood. In fact, he wanted to add even more joy to their homeward journey.

Thinking it over, Wei Wuke sat upright on his horse and called to the soldiers behind him, “Brothers, just walking like this is dull. Let’s sing a song!”

The Wei soldiers exchanged confused glances. Singing? At a time like this? Isn’t that something scholars do?

Wei Wuke, unaware of the local customs, pressed further, “Marching in silence is pointless. Come, everyone, let’s sing together.”

Sing, then! After all, they'd won a victory and deserved some relaxation. If the young lord wanted to play, they’d play along. That was the prevailing sentiment among the soldiers—why not?

“Alright!” someone called out, prompting the others to look around.

“Who wants to lead? Bring everyone together!” Wei Wuke turned to his generals.

Wang Xiu and Zheng Dali stared at Wei Wuke, both thinking, The young lord certainly has a knack for surprises. But neither intended to speak up; not only did they lack the skill, but they also didn’t want the embarrassment.

The scene grew awkward—Wei Wuke’s most trusted aides remained silent.

Then, salvation arrived in the form of Liu Xuanba, a burly man. “Young lord, let me belt out a few lines!” Liu Xuanba said in his rough voice.

Wei Wuke was surprised—he hadn’t expected the formidable warrior to dabble in music. He had assumed Wang Xiu would take the lead. But could Liu Xuanba’s gruff voice really carry a tune? Doubtful, Wei Wuke nevertheless signaled him to proceed.

Liu Xuanba, granted permission, stood before the soldiers, took a deep breath, and sang out, “The war chariot is harnessed, four steeds gallop. How dare we settle? Three victories in a month…”

What was this melody? Wei Wuke was utterly bewildered; he didn’t understand it at all.

But the soldiers below cheered Liu Xuanba, even clapping along. When Liu finished his song, he bowed to Wei Wuke from afar, grinning, “Forgive my poor performance!”

After saluting the soldiers, he stepped back, proud to have shown his talents before the young lord, though a little embarrassed.

Wei Wuke didn’t understand the lyrics, but grasped the general meaning—it was about winning battles. The message was right, but it wasn’t what he wanted. He yearned for a military song like those of his previous life, one the soldiers could sing together.

But that would be hard to pull off, especially relying on his current men.

Seeing the soldiers looking eagerly at him, Wei Wuke suddenly devised a plan.

A particular song came to mind—“Returning from the Shooting Range”—which perfectly matched their situation. But the lyrics would need some tweaking so that it sounded right.

After signaling the army to continue marching, Wei Wuke quickly summoned his officers and shared his idea. He taught the adapted song to each unit’s commanders, instructing them to teach it to their men immediately, with the strict order to finish within half an hour or face military discipline.

The Wei officers were thrown into a frenzy, forced to improvise as best they could, seeking out their subordinates and, under their bewildered gazes, singing the awkward new song.

“As the sun sets behind the western hills, victorious warriors return to camp…” The melody from another world echoed through the forests of Chen.

Though the soldiers didn’t understand, upon hearing it was the young lord’s idea, each suppressed their doubts and sang along with their officers.

Half an hour later, all the commanders gathered before Wei Wuke to report completion.

Wei Wuke was delighted; truly, he was destined for greatness. Such a feat accomplished in just an hour!

“Old Liu, start us off, let everyone sing together.” Wei Wuke waved, calling on Liu Xuanba, who had become his unofficial music master.

Liu Xuanba didn’t hesitate, adjusted his voice, and sang out loudly, “As the sun sets behind the western hills…”

With Liu leading, the soldiers joined in as they’d practiced, singing, “As the sun sets behind the western hills, victorious warriors return to camp…”

The once stirring song, when sung by nearly two thousand voices, soared with overwhelming power.

The force of the music shook even seasoned veterans like Liu Xuanba and Zheng Dali.

Standing aside, Wang Xiu breathed out and sighed, “Today I finally understand: music possesses boundless might!”

Looking at Wei Wuke, immersed in the soldiers’ song, Wang Xiu felt even more admiration. The young lord was increasingly unfathomable.

What seemed like a playful whim had revealed immense power. If used to inspire troops in battle, the effect would be extraordinary.

After the song ended, Wei Wuke, face flushed, called out loudly to the soldiers, “Excellent!”

“Gentlemen, this is how the song should be sung. After singing together, do you feel your blood boil, your fighting spirit soar?” Wei Wuke asked with a smile.

“Yes!” the soldiers replied in unison, their collective energy reaching new heights.

“I’ll have to teach them more songs in the future—this spirit is beyond words,” Wei Wuke rejoiced inwardly.

His delight showed on his face. “Get your spirits up and sing it again! Sing as we march, let everyone hear the vigor of our triumphant return!”

At this moment, Zheng Dali stepped forward, concern on his face. “Young lord, military manuals warn against loud voices during marches…”

What nonsense! Besides, this isn’t an ordinary march; it’s a victorious return! Are people not allowed to be happy? Rules be damned.

Wei Wuke completely ignored Zheng Dali, taking the lead himself, “Brothers, follow me: ‘As the sun sets behind the western hills, victorious warriors return to camp…’”

“The red flowers on our chests shine in the sunset, joyful songs fill the sky…”

The cheerful song rang out again in the hills. Though the soldiers hadn’t understood at first, now, experiencing the thrill of singing together, they felt a sense of grandeur only great men could inspire—boldness and vastness.

“Yes, just like this!” Wei Wuke egged them on, his energetic figure visible everywhere, no longer resembling a dignified noble.

He wandered here and there on horseback, full of excitement.

“So happy!” Wei Wuke shouted. This was more exhilarating than any shout or chant; the land, the people, all seemed within his grasp.

But the joy didn’t last. Suddenly, Wei Wuke cried out, his straight back bending over.

“Young lord!” Zheng Dali exclaimed, rushing to support him.

“I’m fine!” Wei Wuke assured Zheng Dali, though he was suddenly gripped by stomach pain—clearly from poorly prepared meat the night before, which had already felt off.

The officers gathered around, but Wei Wuke waved them away, insisting he was alright.

Then, he turned to Wang Xiu. “Lieutenant Wang, keep moving ahead. I have something to take care of!”

Seeing Wang Xiu’s questioning look, Wei Wuke sheepishly explained, “I’ve got a stomach upset! Go on, or I won’t be able to relieve myself.”

Wang Xiu relaxed at the explanation, instructed Zheng Dali to protect the young lord, and marched on with Liu Xuanba and the main force.

Wei Wuke and a few dozen guards stayed behind.

Finding a secluded spot, Wei Wuke told Zheng Dali and the others, “Spread out and keep watch!”

Once they had dispersed, Wei Wuke dismounted and crouched in the grass.

After a while, a blissful cry echoed from the undergrowth, “Ah!”

Wei Wuke felt utterly relieved; life was truly full of wonders.