Chapter 32: Awaiting the Arrival of Lord Wei

After Wei Wujie finished his dinner, he summoned Wang Xiu for another round of questioning. The topics ranged from the general state of the Wei army’s various divisions, to the internal factions within the military, and especially to his father, the Marquis of Wei. Yet, due to Wang Xiu’s limited status, Wei Wujie still found himself vague on many matters. Nevertheless, he was satisfied—after all, he had previously known nothing at all; something was better than nothing.

From what he learned, Wei was mobilizing a third of its main forces for this campaign against Chen—one hundred thousand soldiers marching to war. From this, Wei Wujie deduced that Wei must have at least three hundred thousand men under arms. When he asked why more troops weren’t brought, he was told that Wei still needed to guard against Qi to the east and the northern nomads. This gave Wei Wujie a clearer sense of the kingdom’s surroundings: nomads to the north, powerful states Qin and Qi to the east and west. Yet, despite being hemmed in by such formidable neighbors, Wei not only survived but dared to take the offensive. Wei Wujie could not help but marvel at the strength of his homeland.

In truth, even Wang Xiu did not know the exact number of soldiers dispatched; it was impossible for him to know. Within the Wei army, the existence of factions was ambiguous—there were, and there weren’t. One thing remained unchanged: the Marquis of Wei was a god in the hearts of every soldier. No matter how high someone rose, none could ever threaten the Marquis himself. Thus, within the army, the Marquis was the one—and the greatest—faction. Still, the more people, the more schemes; naturally, smaller groups formed. The pillar generals under the Marquis were like hills beneath the mountain.

This time, two pillar generals accompanied the Marquis on campaign, both of whom Wei Wujie had met—but his impressions of them were less than ideal. Upon learning this, Wei Wujie became anxious; he had only just arrived, and already he had managed to offend two major figures. How would he survive in the future? Especially since there were already people in the Wei camp plotting against him.

After dismissing Wang Xiu, Wei Wujie lay sleepless on his bed, plagued by worries day after day. “Whatever happens, if it’s fate, it’ll come; if it’s disaster, you can’t escape it,” he tried to reassure himself, but it did little good. When it came to his life, he was far too afraid of death to let go so easily.

Thus, amid hope tinged with anxiety, Wei Wujie drifted into sleep, wrestling with his fears.

The night passed.

When the sun rose again, Wei Wujie had already eaten breakfast and readied himself for the day. He wore his newest armor, his hair tied neatly; had he possessed a phone, he surely would have snapped dozens of photos to show off online.

To tell the truth, Wei Wujie looked every bit the handsome youth—his appearance truly striking. “Young master, if you stood on the main street of Wu’an City, who knows how many ladies’ hearts would flutter!” Zheng Dali said with a chuckle, handing him his helmet.

“Is that even a question? I’m a man of talent and looks—it’s my duty to bring hope to all those longing maidens,” Wei Wujie replied righteously, donning the helmet.

“Yes, yes!” Zheng Dali nodded eagerly, bowing as he spoke. If the lady saw the young master now, she would surely be delighted.

Noticing Zheng Dali’s distracted gaze, Wei Wujie felt puzzled. How could someone lose focus while flattering him? Clearly, Zheng Dali was destined to remain a bodyguard for life.

“All right, now that we’re packed, let’s head out!” Wei Wujie said, grabbing his sword and striding forth, unconcerned whether Zheng Dali kept pace.

Zheng Dali hurried to shed his playful manner and followed with four guards.

As they walked, Wei Wujie couldn’t help but observe the camp—the most powerful military base of its era. Everything was novel and fascinating, sights he had never seen before.

“Is today’s drill all arranged?” Wei Wujie asked casually.

With the eagerness of a loyal follower, Zheng Dali replied, “Lieutenant Wang has seen to everything. Everyone’s thrilled to hear you’ll be attending the military council!”

“Master, you must report the hardships and achievements of the brothers—don’t let them be happy for nothing,” Zheng Dali reminded him, fearing Wei Wujie might overlook these important matters.

Prompted by Zheng Dali, Wei Wujie became alert. Indeed, he had been so focused on appearances and winning hearts that he had neglected the main business.

It wasn’t long before the group arrived outside the central command tent. Thirty meters from the raised platform, they were surrounded by elite guards; Zheng Dali and the others could go no further.

Seeing Wei Wujie’s credentials verified and about to enter alone, Zheng Dali bowed and said, “Young master, we’ll wait here for you!”

“Mm,” Wei Wujie nodded, then turned toward the great tent.

Once separated from his companions, Wei Wujie found himself in an utterly unfamiliar setting once more. On either side, fierce warriors watched him, their silent, overwhelming presence making even his hardened nerves tremble.

Step by step, feeling as if he were entering the hall of the underworld, Wei Wujie approached the massive command tent atop the platform. Above it, a huge banner emblazoned with a fire qilin billowed in the wind, and on its proud head was a great character for Wei.

Just as Wei Wujie was marveling at the grandeur of this scene, a voice from the platform called to him.

“Young master Wujie, please come in.”

Wei Wujie recognized the speaker—it was the familiar clerk, Zheng Chang, who had brought him into the camp two days prior.

“Master Zheng, am I late?” Wei Wujie asked, having little confidence in his sense of time.

“Not at all, young master. The other generals have only just arrived as well,” Zheng Chang replied with a smile.

“Please, come up,” Zheng Chang urged.

Wei Wujie moved forward, climbing step by step onto the platform. Zheng Chang led him to the tent’s entrance, but as he entered, the guards stopped him.

Seeing Wei Wujie’s displeasure, Zheng Chang hastily explained, “Forgive us, young master—one may not wear a sword when meeting the lord.”

“Oh!” Wei Wujie understood why he’d been stopped.

“So, the lord will attend the council?” Wei Wujie asked, chewing over Zheng Chang’s words.

“Yes, the lord will be here to preside over the entire council,” Zheng Chang replied, still smiling.

After handing over his sword, Wei Wujie proceeded into the tent. Zheng Chang did not follow.

Once again, Wei Wujie found himself in unfamiliar territory. Entering the command tent, he was about to face, for the first time, the most powerful men of the strongest nation.

The thought made his legs tremble, and he could scarcely contain his excitement.

Taking a deep breath, he summoned his courage and stepped into what could be the most significant stage of his life.

Upon entering the tent, however, Wei Wujie found things were not as he had imagined. The scene was not one of strict formality, with generals sitting upright or standing in solemn silence. On the contrary, the generals had gathered in small groups, talking among themselves.

Wei Wujie observed that everyone present was of general rank—he, as a captain of foot soldiers, held the lowest rank in the room.

The highest-ranking officers sat facing each other at either end of the tent. One was the veteran Xu Anhong, whom Wei Wujie recognized from before. The other, he knew without guessing, must be the pillar general Wu Mingyan.

As Wei Wujie entered, the generals all turned to look at him, most with the same expression Xu Anhong had worn upon first meeting him. Were it not for the Marquis’s age, some might have suspected Wei Wujie himself was their commander.

Xu Anhong, ever perceptive, stood and greeted Wei Wujie, prompting the others to follow suit.

“Please, gentlemen, dispense with the formalities,” Wei Wujie hastily replied. Now was not the time for showmanship; offending these men would doom his prospects in the camp.

Feeling tired after the walk, Wei Wujie looked around for a seat and chose one beside Xu Anhong.