Chapter 57: Being a True Gentleman

Just as Wei Wuyi was lost in thought, Zheng Dali returned from outside. Seeing Wei Wuyi lingering in the small garden, Zheng Dali approached him.

"Young master, what are you doing here?" Zheng Dali asked in confusion—weren't they supposed to go eat?

Of course, Wei Wuyi couldn't admit he had snuck off and was now cooling off here after his failed attempt at something mischievous.

"It's quite cool here, don't you think?" Wei Wuyi replied almost reflexively, voicing his thoughts without thinking.

"Yes... it's quite cool here," Zheng Dali scratched his head, though he was thinking, are we going to eat or not?

Seeing Wei Wuyi still unwilling to leave, Zheng Dali seemed to realize something and tentatively suggested, "Young master, why don't we just have our... breakfast... lunch out here?"

"Ah...?" Wei Wuyi was caught off guard. There weren't even many trees here, and the sunlight was glaring down.

Did they expect him to sit here and roast under the sun? Wei Wuyi inwardly scoffed.

"I think... it's better if we go back inside," Wei Wuyi said awkwardly, feeling that his first attempt at romance had ended in failure.

Without waiting for Zheng Dali's reply, Wei Wuyi walked out first; he didn't want to hear any more nagging—how tiresome.

On his way to the main hall, Wei Wuyi ran into Gu Mu, and they exchanged a few pleasantries.

Yet, from Gu Mu's face, Wei Wuyi could see worry. When he asked, Gu Mu only said he was anxious about the days to come.

Wei Wuyi did his best to encourage him, saying the war would soon be over and they would find even greater happiness and peace within Great Wei.

Having done this much, Wei Wuyi felt he hadn't failed Gu Mu's hospitality.

After parting with Gu Mu, Wei Wuyi finally arrived at the main hall, where Huan'er had already prepared the meal.

Huan'er is always so thoughtful! Wei Wuyi couldn't help but think with a hint of mischief.

But after lingering in such a comfortable environment for so long, Wei Wuyi started to feel restless—or perhaps uneasy—because he realized he'd been enjoying himself far too much these days.

Maybe I should go out for a while, he thought.

Since arriving in Tielin Town, he had been holed up inside the Gu residence—eating, drinking, handling all affairs, even commanding the army from within these walls.

The thought sent a chill down his spine, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"Have I grown too complacent?" Wei Wuyi questioned himself deep inside.

No one had been restricting him lately; he did as he pleased, forgetting the dangers of his situation.

The Marquis of Wei's wrath! Wei Chengze's hatred! His mother's helplessness! And the faces of those who wished for his demise...

These thoughts suddenly surged forth, and his chopsticks slipped from his hand.

"Young master, are you alright?" Huan'er noticed his distress and asked softly.

Wei Wuyi did not answer. An overwhelming sense of crisis gripped him, and all he wanted was to escape.

He staggered to his feet and dashed out of the hall, not even bothering to go around the table.

"Young master..."

Huan'er's call did not make him look back.

The guards, seeing this, feared something might happen to Wei Wuyi and hurriedly followed.

Zheng Dali, just emerging from the back hall, saw the scene, put down what he was carrying, and chased after them.

Wei Wuyi jogged out of the Gu residence, surrounded by his guards.

On the street outside, he took a deep breath, finally feeling the oppressive weight inside him lift a little.

He felt like a fish breaking through the surface, finally tasting the vastness of the sky and earth.

Zheng Dali caught up, his voice anxious, "Young master, what's wrong?"

His concern was genuine—Wei Wuyi's behavior had been disturbingly strange.

Wei Wuyi closed his eyes, waiting for his emotions to settle.

"It was just too hot inside. I needed some fresh air," he explained.

Zheng Dali would never believe such a flimsy excuse, but if Wei Wuyi wouldn't say more, he couldn't press him.

Ignoring Zheng Dali, Wei Wuyi walked on. In a bad mood, a stroll outside was just what he needed.

And so, his destination became the stables, with Zheng Dali and the others following.

When they reached the stables, Wei Wuyi led out a horse and said to Zheng Dali, "Let's go, let's take the horses out for a ride!"

Why another ride out of the blue? Zheng Dali couldn't fathom Wei Wuyi's thoughts—first food, then cooling off, now horseback riding.

He had thought Wei Wuyi had matured, but now he began to doubt his own judgment.

Mounting up with the guards, Wei Wuyi lashed his horse and galloped ahead.

"Brothers, keep up with the young master!" Zheng Dali called, and the guards spurred their horses after him.

Though Wei Wuyi wanted to let loose, he knew his limits; the region was still unsettled, and he dared not ride too far.

Galloping brought him a sense of freedom, which was exactly what he needed most at that moment.

He had indulged himself for days, but now, reminded of the dangers he faced, he was left anxious and sleepless.

After a thorough ride, Wei Wuyi finally reined in his horse, heading back toward Tielin Town.

He planned to visit each of the main garrisons and see his soldiers.

After all, he hadn't seen them in days; he feared their bond might weaken.

It was these two thousand soldiers that Wei Wuyi could still rely on.

The camaraderie he had painstakingly built could not be allowed to fade with time and distance.

This experience drove home for him the truth that the allure of comfort was indeed a hero's grave.

He might have seemed unconcerned before, but once he was ensnared, he hadn't even realized it.

Lost in these thoughts, Wei Wuyi and his retinue arrived inside the town.

First, he visited the soldiers guarding the city gate. When they saw him approaching, they grew excited.

"Greetings, young master!" They bowed even before he reached them, their faces filled with excitement.

Seeing them as spirited as ever, Wei Wuyi finally relaxed and said repeatedly, "Please, all of you, rise!"

Once they stood, Wei Wuyi clasped his hands behind his back and addressed them, "Gentlemen, guarding the city gate is a weighty responsibility..."

Now, when Wei Wuyi put on an official air, he did so with some authority, launching into a speech of encouragement.

When he finished his lengthy address, the soldiers, full of zeal, bowed again. "We will remember the young master's guidance."

"Good!" Wei Wuyi nodded in satisfaction.

After encouraging them a few more times, he and his men moved on.

The soldiers were visibly moved—the young master hadn't forgotten them, sparing time to visit despite his busyness.

Now, their spirits soared; they would work all the harder to live up to the young master's trust.

Wei Wuyi proceeded to his next stop, launching into another speech.

One garrison after another, the warmth of Wei Wuyi's visits ignited their enthusiasm, and the previously somber Tielin Town grew lively in pockets.

Wei Wuyi had achieved his aim—he was still the young master beloved by his troops, and their loyalty remained.

This brought him great peace of mind, dispelling all lingering anxiety.

Power grows from the barrel of a gun—holding command of the army, Wei Wuyi felt true security.

His soldiers were his strength, his only true asset in this life.

Just as when he first found himself in dire straits, it was by bonding with his troops that he mustered the courage to face adversity.

Now, he blended in again, even deeper than before, for now he knew exactly what he wanted.

At this moment, Wei Wuyi made a solemn vow within his heart: he would be a good young master, a worthy commander, and never betray his soldiers' expectations.

After completing his rounds of the last garrison, Wei Wuyi led Zheng Dali and the others back toward the Gu residence.

By now, the sun was setting, and the streets, never very crowded, were emptier than ever.

Wei Wuyi let his horse amble along, not urging it forward.

His heart was calm and comfortable, more so than even Huan'er's gentle touch could bring.

"Dali, are you hungry?" Wei Wuyi asked with a smile. These men had kept up with his wild moods all day; they must be tired.

Zheng Dali's face fell at the question—he was indeed hungry. He hadn't eaten since noon.

"Starving!" Zheng Dali replied simply.

"Alright then, let's go back and eat!"

With that, Wei Wuyi flicked his whip and dashed ahead.