Chapter 54 (Liang Shao's solo scene, proceed with caution) From...

That day, Liang Shao and Cheng Bao rode back to the manor. The short distance took them a full half-day to cover. When they arrived at the Liang manor gate, Sui Ming was already waiting behind it, anxiously watching the two figures gradually appear in the distance. Upon seeing Liang Shao, Sui Ming rushed forward, tears welling in her eyes, and said, "Second Master, you're finally back! Sui Wen said Second Mistress is gone... is it true?"

Liang Shao slowly raised his eyes, looked at her, and nodded slightly.

Sui Ming froze, staggered back half a step, and was supported by Sui Wen, who had rushed out. Sui Ming murmured, "How could this be, how could this be... Just the other day, Second Mistress instructed me to tidy up the painting room, and gave me a long list of painting supplies to buy." She couldn't help but cry, "So many painting supplies, so hard to buy, and it took so much trouble to get them all... How could Second Mistress leave? How could she bear to leave..."

Liang Shao smiled weakly, "Perhaps she wants to go out and have some fun; she'll be back in a few days." As soon as he finished speaking, he felt ridiculous. After all, the divorce papers were sleeping peacefully against his chest.

He and Shanhe were destined to become strangers.

Liang Shao returned to Shuyu Pavilion in a daze and dejected state.

The courtyard was empty; only now did he realize how large the house was. She was usually the quietest person, so how could Shuyu Pavilion be so eerily empty after she left?

He stumbled back to the main room. The furnishings were still the same, but upon closer inspection, he noticed that Shanhe had packed up all her belongings and taken them with her. The jewelry he had given her still sat on the dressing box; those precious gold and jewels remained untouched.

Liang Shao opened his mouth slightly, as if to say something, but then felt a lump of cotton stuffing in his chest, making him feel suffocated. He simply sat down on the footstool where Shanhe used to sleep, his arms loosely resting on his knees, and gazed intently at the room, where Shanhe's presence still lingered. With just one glance, hot tears streamed down his face.

He slammed his fist on the foot pedal in anger, then broke down, burying his head between his knees and trying his best to suppress his sobs.

Why are the pedals so hard?

Why did Xue Shanhe sleep for two years without ever saying a word?

Why did he act like a blind, deaf, and fool, completely ignoring her silence and grievances?

Why……

Too many "whys" weighed on my heart, eventually turning into hot tears, which dripped onto the wooden pedal, leaving dark water stains.

From that day on, Liang Shao's personality changed drastically. He, who used to love crowds and dread loneliness, now spent his days sitting at home, often staring blankly at the drifting clouds. Even when it was time to go to the yamen, Cheng Bao had to remind and urge him before he would listlessly put on his clothes, mount his horse, and go to his post. The yamen runners noticed Liang Shao's dramatic change and secretly inquired about the reason, but the servants of the Liang household all remained tight-lipped. However, rumors of Xue Shanhe and Liang Shao's divorce eventually spread.

However, the yamen runners thought this was a good thing, all saying that Lady Xue was not a good match for Liang Shao, and they all comforted him. Even Lord Chen of the prefectural government specially summoned Liang Shao and spoke to him earnestly: "Your father has passed away, your brother has gone to the capital, and your wife... well, let's not talk about it. I know you are all alone now, and it's understandable that you feel sad. You should rest well for a while, go out and relax, it wouldn't hurt. Don't miss the martial arts examination next year. Liang Shao, how can your excellent skills be wasted?" Liang Shao could only nod and agree.

It was better outside; Liang Shao's old friends would invite him to drink and make merry, and he could temporarily numb his longing with strong liquor. But when night fell and everyone had left, Liang Shao would return to his residence alone, always thinking of how Shan He used to wait for him at home.

It wasn't that he was waiting for her all the time, but every time he came home, Shanhe would be there, with a bowl of hangover soup warmed up and placed on the coffee table, her breath filling the room. He had long been used to Xue Shanhe being in Shuyu Pavilion, but now when he returned, there was nothing there.

Since he stopped going to the government office, Liang Shao spent his days sitting in the same armchair that his late grandfather often sat in. From the moment the sun slowly climbed up to him and then slowly set, he would sit there all day long. Summer was approaching, the air thick with humidity and heat, almost unbearably hot. Looking at the empty main hall, Liang Shao suddenly understood his grandfather's loneliness, and understood his grandfather's words, "There's no one left to talk to me about."

Grandpa Liang came from a scholarly family; his ancestors were founding heroes who helped Emperor Taizu establish the dynasty. He studied diligently in his youth, passed the imperial examinations, and entered officialdom smoothly. In middle age, he rose to the position of Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, but at the height of his power, he chose to withdraw from the turmoil of court politics and resolutely returned to Mizhou to establish a free school. For the next several decades, he educated batch after batch of children from impoverished families, sending them to the capital. They followed Grandpa Liang's path: studying, passing the imperial examinations, entering officialdom, and then scattering in the ups and downs of official life. Some even predeceased Grandpa Liang, such as Xue Yin, Shanhe's father. Thus, in his later years, Grandpa Liang used his remaining strength to help people everywhere. He went to Hailing County to bring back Liang Ye and Liang Shao, and he went to Jinling to rescue Xue Shanhe. His own children were gone; he could only use his last strength to save his children's children.

Back then, Liang Shao didn't understand what his grandfather was looking at or waiting for, sitting in that chair all day. Now, he seemed to understand a little. He was waiting for the group of children who carried tattered bundles, wore ragged clothes, called him "Father Liang," and begged him to teach them knowledge. Just like himself now, sitting here, in the shifting light and shadow, he vaguely saw Shanhe standing there gracefully. He knew it wasn't Shanhe, but he dared not make a sound, afraid of shattering this illusion.

Perhaps at that time, Old Master Liang would have wondered in his heart: He sent one promising child after another to the imperial court, so why did they all never come back in the end?

An overwhelming loneliness consumed him, and it consumed Liang Shao as he was now. For the first time, he understood his grandfather.

It was around this time that the soft armor Shanhe had saved up to buy for him arrived.

The shop assistant at the soft armor shop kept praising it: "This soft armor is neither gold nor iron, neither leather nor tan. It was made by our skilled craftsmen who spent countless hours and effort, collecting and refining many rare materials, and forging it through countless hammer blows..." He was about to continue when Liang Shao interrupted him.

Liang Shao looked down at the armor plates, so fine they resembled fish scales, thin as cicada wings, yet harder than ice, and a slight stirring stirred in his heart. He carried the soft armor straight to the ancestral hall. With a swift movement, he easily reached for the red-tasseled spear hidden on the roof beam. Right hand holding the spear, left hand cradling the armor, he returned to his study, took down the Azure Frost Sword hanging on the wall, and placed it on his sandalwood desk. Beneath the Azure Frost Sword's gleaming cold light was a poem left by Shan He:

Two springs have passed since we were joined in marriage, and today I cut the silken thread to bind us. I will not allow even the smallest speck of dust to obscure the path to heaven, for each pearl in the vast ocean shines with its own preciousness.

He murmured, "Not a speck of dust should obscure the path to the clouds, for pearls in the vast ocean each display their preciousness..." He felt the gloom in his heart gradually dissipate.

Liang Shao neatly packed two sets of clothes, a red musk bracelet on his wrist, and Shan He's poem and a painting in his purse—a painting he had found in the newly compiled illustrated edition of "The Palace of Eternal Life," painted by Shan He. In the painting, a man and a woman lay intertwined in a bathtub, the man's strong arm resting on the rim, a red musk bead loosely hanging from his wrist, dripping water.

He laid out paper, licked his ink, and hurriedly wrote a letter before summoning Cheng Bao, Sui Ming, and Sui Wen. He said to Cheng Bao, "Tomorrow, you will send this letter to the master."

Cheng Bao nodded in agreement.

Liang Shao then took out several silver notes from the box where he kept his land deeds and gave most of them to Cheng Bao: "My grandfather used to have an academy that only accepted poor children who couldn't afford to study. It has been closed for many years. Here is five hundred taels of silver given to me by Zhang Tixing. Take it and reopen that academy."

He divided the remaining silver into two equal parts, giving one to Suiming and Suiwen: "I've never managed household affairs before, and there are many things I don't understand. I heard from Second Mistress that you're both fifteen or sixteen years old, and in two more years, you should be of marriageable age. It's a pity that there's no mistress in the house anymore, and I don't know how to arrange things. Take this three hundred taels as your dowry. There are still a few eligible maids in the mansion, you... you should figure out a way yourselves..." The more he spoke, the less he dared to look at Suiming and the others.

Sui Ming and Sui Wen were stunned for a moment, and tears quickly welled up in their eyes.

Cheng Bao cautiously asked, "Second Master, are you going to find Second Madam?"

Liang Shao pursed his lips: "I'm going to Beichuan."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Bao choked up immediately: "Beichuan is dangerous. Second Master, you have lofty ambitions. Why not take the martial arts exam?"

Liang Shao laughed, "You know my heart best, why try to persuade me?" He looked at the soft armor on the table and murmured, "Perhaps all of this was destined months ago. This is my wish, and also... her wish."

Cheng Bao hurriedly said, "Then please take me with you, Second Master."

Liang Shao looked back at him with a bright smile: "Chengbao, you need to manage things at home; the affairs of the free school also depend on you. I won't feel at ease without you. Besides, if Shanshan comes back one day, you have to help me keep her occupied. Chengbao, I'm entrusting everything to you." With that, he slung his red-tasseled spear and green-frost sword over his shoulder, picked up his bundle, and was about to leave.

Cheng Bao knelt down with a thud and hugged his legs. Sui Ming and Sui Wen also knelt down and wept, begging Liang Shao to reconsider.

Sui Ming advised, "Master Shi's uncle is in the Ministry of War! Second Master will surely pass the military examination!"

Cheng Bao also wept and said, "Second Master! Second Master! Please think of the Old Master and the Eldest Master! The Old Master will be worried sick in heaven if you go to Beichuan! And the Eldest Master, he is working hard alone in the capital. If he knew you were going to the capital, he would be extremely anxious. How can he sleep peacefully?"

Liang Shao smiled faintly, grabbed Cheng Bao's arm and lifted him up: "They will understand me." He looked back at Sui Ming and Sui Wen: "When I come back, if you have children, remember to ask me for a favor. From now on, don't be servants, live a peaceful and honest life as law-abiding citizens."

After speaking, ignoring the weeping of the three people behind him, Liang Shao went straight to the stable, took his usual white horse, and carried the red-tasseled spear and the green frost sword that he hadn't used in two years. Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, he headed north.

Braving wind and rain, traveling day and night, covering a hundred miles a day, Liang Shao carried three hundred taels of silver notes, which he had already exchanged for small change for daily use, so he didn't suffer much hardship. He was a straightforward and easygoing person, and also chivalrous, and during his journey he made many friends who were also going to Beichuan to join the army, all from humble backgrounds but with lofty ambitions. Knowing that these people lacked funds, Liang Shao distributed silver to them to help with their travel expenses. By the time they reached Beichuan, they had gathered about ten men.

Among these dozen or so people was an old acquaintance named Zhuang Yizhao. It turned out that in the case of Yuetuo Village, Liang Shao had initially wrongly arrested Zhuang Yizhao, causing him to be unjustly imprisoned. After investigating the case, Liang Shao quickly reopened the case and apprehended the real culprit. However, because Zhuang Yizhao had been imprisoned, the villagers looked down on him. Liang Shao secretly gave him forty taels of silver, instructing him to leave Yuetuo Village and seriously seek a business. Unfortunately, Zhuang Yizhao was an extremely honest and upright man; he lost most of the forty taels of silver and dared not engage in such trading again. Thinking he possessed some martial arts skills, he bid farewell to his wife and children, intending to venture into Beichuan, where he unexpectedly encountered Liang Shao. He had initially harbored deep hatred for Liang Shao, but after Liang Shao personally came to apologize, his anger subsided considerably. Now, upon meeting Liang Shao again, knowing his current situation, and seeing Liang Shao's generosity and impartiality, he was even more grateful, feeling a sense of unexpected friendship despite the initial conflict. In the small group of a dozen or so people, Liang Shao is the youngest, but he is knowledgeable, has his own opinions, and has served as a judicial officer for two years. Zhuang Yizhao took the initiative to elect him as the leader, and everyone trusts him.

Upon arriving in Guaji County, Beichuan, Liang Shao and his companions initially intended to enlist in the army, but they noticed an official proclamation announcing the arrest of a criminal. Having reviewed two years' worth of case files, Liang Shao volunteered to help Magistrate Li clarify the case and find the killer. Magistrate Li wanted to keep him as a staff member, but Liang Shao replied that his purpose was solely to serve the court. Coincidentally, Wei Ruhai, a military advisor under General Pei of the Beichuan army, was Magistrate Li's father-in-law, and he wrote a letter of recommendation for Liang Shao. Liang Shao presented the letter to Wei Ruhai and successfully joined the Beichuan army, enlisting under General Zhu Xian.

Zhu Xian, a member of the Zhu clan of Kangzhou, was a cheerful and righteous man who often drank and slept with his soldiers, earning him great prestige within the army. After learning about Liang Shao's background and past experiences, Zhu Xian took a great liking to him and treated him with considerable care.

Zhu Xian's high regard for him, Wei Canjun's care, and Liang Shao's own superb martial arts skills and the shrewdness he had developed during his time as a judicial officer, allowed him to thrive in the army. Within two months, he had become Zhu Xian's most powerful right-hand man. Zhu Xian often ordered Liang Shao to accompany him on his border patrols and raids against bandits.

At the end of August, enemy bandits from the Chatai Kingdom appeared on the border, looting property and destroying farmland. Liang Shao followed General Zhu Xian in pursuit of the foreign bandits. After capturing three prisoners, Liang Shao wanted to continue the pursuit and capture the leader as well, but Zhu Xian stopped him, forcing him to give up the pursuit under the pretext of "knowing when to stop".

Liang Shao was puzzled and still wanted to pursue him. Zhu Xian coldly said, "With your abilities, capturing that leader is naturally not difficult. But what will happen after you capture him? That leader is named Aqi Jun, and he has some prestige in the Chatai army. If you capture and kill him, Chatai will definitely seek revenge. Then there will be another great battle. You will have made military achievements and shown your power, but war is costly and exhausting, and there will inevitably be casualties. It would be better to show mercy and let him go. Next time he comes, just capture his subordinate soldiers." Liang Shao had no choice but to give up.

Half a month later, Liang Shao went on patrol with his men and encountered Aqi Jun and his gang again, seizing land and abducting a girl. The poor girl looked no more than sixteen or seventeen years old. Aqi Jun dragged her into a house, her condition pitiful, and she cried out in agony. When the girl's elderly father tried to stop him, Aqi Jun beheaded him. When Liang Shao and his men arrived, the girl's father's head rolled on the ground several times, covered in blood.

Enraged, Liang Shao drew his spear and engaged Aqi Jun in combat. Liang Shao was young and vigorous, while Aqi Jun was over forty. After more than a hundred rounds, Aqi Jun's strength waned, and he began to lose ground. Seizing the opportunity, Liang Shao thrust his spear through Aqi Jun's throat. Seeing his death, Aqi Jun's men scattered and fled, but being cornered, they all became prisoners of Liang Shao and his men.

Upon returning to camp, Liang Shao, carrying Aqi Falcon's corpse, anxiously met with Zhu Xian.

Unexpectedly, when Zhu Xian learned that he had killed Aqi Jun with a single spear thrust, his pupils first contracted sharply, then he laughed heartily and embraced him, praising him in front of all the soldiers: "A Shao is both brave and resourceful, a true hero of the Great Yan!" He then whispered in Liang Shao's ear: "Since you killed him, that's fine, we won't pursue it for now. I will personally submit a memorial for your merit in strangling Aqi Jun, just wait for news of your promotion!"

Liang Shao was overjoyed. At the celebration banquet that night, he drank several glasses of cheap liquor. Sitting under the starry sky, he unfolded the painting in his purse and quietly regarded the gentle night breeze as her sitting beside him.

However, the promotion promised by Zhu Xian was delayed, and in the end, he only sent one string of cash and one bolt of cloth.

Liang Shao couldn't help but ask the registrar, only to find that the military merit book already stated: "Liang Shao of Mizhou killed the enemy chieftain in battle, but disobeyed orders and advanced recklessly. His merits and demerits cancel each other out, so he will not be promoted. He is rewarded with one string of cash and one bolt of cloth. It is hoped that he will abide by military regulations and perform his duties diligently in the future."

The fighting has started again on the front lines.

Liang Shao silently packed his soft armor and sword. This was the first time he had truly experienced war firsthand, even though the war was started because of him. After he went to ask the clerk why he could not be promoted, the soldiers belatedly realized that the cause of this great battle in the autumn of this year was that Liang Shao killed Aqisun.

The Chatai people wanted to avenge Aqisun and vowed to skin that young boy with the red-tasseled spear alive.

Liang Shao was not afraid. Through his previous encounters with the Chatai people, he had roughly figured out their fighting style. He was determined to make a name for himself this time and leave his mark on the military record.

Zhu Xian's adjutant came to him personally: "The general knows you are brave. The task he is about to give you is even more important than going to the battlefield to kill the enemy."

Guarding the watchtower.

This is the farthest and tallest watchtower on the entire Beichuan border; standing on it, you can see the entire battlefield.

The adjutant patted Liang Shao on the shoulder and whispered, "The general is doing this for your own good. The watchtower is threatening to capture you alive. That watchtower is far from the battlefield, so your life will be safe."

Liang Shao wanted to refuse, but the adjutant said, "Are you going to disobey military orders again?"

So, Liang Shao, carrying a red-tasseled spear, a green frost sword, and wearing soft armor, rode alone to the watchtower.

As night fell, the place seemed even more desolate. Liang Shao gazed at the distant military camp, like fireflies scattered in the darkness. Suddenly, a figure appeared in the night, riding towards them. As the person drew nearer, it was none other than the girl he had rescued that day.

The girl climbed up the watchtower and took out fine wine and meat from her bundle. Her cheeks were already red from the cold: "Young general, thank you for saving me."

"Not a general, just a lowly soldier."

The girl ignored him and stuffed the wine flask into his arms: "This is wine my father brewed when he was alive. It tastes better than the wine in the army!"

He tilted his head back and drank deeply.

"My name is Youlan'er." The girl blinked her big eyes and smiled. "Little General, you can leave after you finish your wine and meat."

Walk?

Liang Shao put down the wine bag and looked at her, puzzled.

Yu Lan'er sat beside him, her arms wrapped around her knees, gazing up at the black, satin-like night sky: "Our area is frequently plagued by foreign invaders, year after year. The people all know this, but there's nothing they can do. General Zhu Xian made a deal with Aqi Jun from Chatai. Aqi Jun regularly comes to burn, kill, and plunder, and General Zhu Xian turns a blind eye, then reports it to the court, saying that enemy bandits are roaming the border. Once the court's provisions arrive, the Beichuan army won't steal our fields or our food anymore. We can even sell what we make to them; it's a balance. But you've broken that balance."

Liang Shao's eyes widened as he looked at her in disbelief.

You Lan'er smiled: "Does General Zhu Xian mean you can't kill Aqisun?"

Liang Shao nodded blankly.

Suddenly, an arrow shot through the air. Liang Shao grabbed You Lan'er and they both fell to the ground. Before they could react, three or five men, all dressed as guards, with deep-set eyes and straight noses, approached from the watchtower.

They spoke in an unintelligible Chatai dialect, yet simultaneously swung their steel blades at Liang Shao. Liang Shao deftly caught his red-tasseled spear mid-air with his toes, and quickly engaged them in combat. After about two incense sticks' worth of time, Liang Shao finally killed the group. He spared the last one, wanting to interrogate them about why they wanted to kill him, but alas, they couldn't communicate.

Yulan'er stepped out from the corner: "I can speak Chatai."

"Ask him why he wanted to kill me."

He said he would never tell you, even if he died.

Liang Shao's eyes narrowed, and he pressed the spearhead against the man's neck, drawing blood. The man immediately cried out in pain and begged for mercy.

He said that a Chahar-Taipei army would enter Beichuan from this place tonight!

What are you going to Beichuan for?

"He said that the Grand General of Chatai, to avenge the death of Aqisun, has gathered his elite troops and is preparing to launch a two-pronged attack at dawn three days from now. The main force will feign an attack on the left flank defense line guarded by General Zhu Xian, but in reality, it will be a diversionary tactic. The real killing move is a breaching team of over a hundred men. This team will bypass the main battlefield and take a very secret, narrow path—not even marked on the Beichuan army map—below the watchtower you are currently guarding, directly into the heart of Beichuan, with their target being the Anping granary in the rear! Once the Anping granary is burned, the morale of the troops at the front will be thrown into chaos, and the main force of Chatai can take advantage of the situation to launch a surprise attack and completely break through the Beichuan defense line!"

Liang Shao gritted his teeth and raised his gun, ready to kill him.

The prisoner quickly mumbled a few words in his own language, while Yulan'er stood there, stunned.

"What did he say?"

“He said… he said that General Zhu Xian was fully aware of this. He secretly withdrew the patrols near this secret passage and sent you, young general, to guard the watchtower, just to kill you here.”

Liang Shao was so angry that his teeth were chattering: "Why!"

"He said that General Zhu Xian had made an agreement with them that he would shirk responsibility when an 'accident' occurred, and use this as an excuse to complain to the court about insufficient troops and demand more resources. Once the court's reinforcements arrived, the leader of Chatai would pretend to suffer repeated defeats and then retreat. In this way, Chatai would get revenge and seize the grain from Anping's granary, and Zhu Xian would also gain military merit and provisions."

Upon hearing these words, Liang Shao felt as if his blood had frozen. This was no longer just treason; it was tantamount to sacrificing the entire left flank of Beichuan's defenses, staining his own official hat with the blood of countless soldiers and civilians! Looking back at the distant, firefly-like lights of the military camp, Liang Shao felt only utter irony. Zhu Xian had placed him here to become the first sacrifice in this grand conspiracy, a "negligent" sentry who died without a chance to testify…

Liang Shao took a deep breath, his gaze gradually becoming sharp and resolute. He knocked the prisoner unconscious with a single blow, tied him up, and then ripped off the prisoner's clothes. Dipping his fingertips in the blood on the ground, he quickly sketched the route of the hidden path and Chatai's plan to raid Anpingcang on the piece of cloth.

“Lan’er,” Liang Shao said firmly, pressing the blood-written letter into You Lan’er’s hand, “You are familiar with the terrain. Please go down the mountain immediately, avoid the military camp, and deliver this letter to the garrison commander of Anping Warehouse as quickly as possible! Tell them to strengthen the city's defenses and hold out for reinforcements! Also, if possible, make a copy of this letter and try to deliver it to General Pei. Remember, do not trust anyone from the Beichuan army except for General Pei himself!”

He didn't know if there were any other people like Zhu Xian in this vast Beichuan army. Or perhaps, even General Pei knew about this?

Thinking of this, he felt cold all over.

Yu Lan'er looked at Liang Shao's blood-stained face, nodded heavily, then tucked the blood-written letter tightly into her bosom, turned around, and quickly disappeared into the shadows beneath the watchtower.

Liang Shao did not leave. He hid the enemy soldiers and quickly prepared his equipment. He gripped his red-tasseled spear tightly again, and finally drew his Qing Shuang sword, its cold light reflecting off his sharp profile, straight nose, and thin lips. He removed the red musk bracelet from his wrist and placed it in his purse along with Shan He's calligraphy and paintings, carefully placing it in his bosom. After these preparations were complete, Liang Shao went to fetch the long-forgotten wolf dung and firewood stored in the watchtower and lit the highest beacon tower. Soon, a thick, pungent plume of smoke pierced the night, shooting straight into the black satin sky. Then, Liang Shao, spear and sword at his sides, ran down from the watchtower in a few steps, blocking the only passage on the narrow path.

This is a narrow pass, the only way to enter the territory of Great Yan, easy to defend and difficult to attack. And he, Liang Shao, will become a nail, firmly nailed here.

Behind him were cold, rocky cliffs, and in the distance, birds flew into the forest. Deep within the pitch-black, murderous canyon, an overwhelming sense of loneliness washed over Liang Shao once more, even more so than when he was at the Liang residence. Leaning on his spear, Liang Shao looked up at the sky; the empty night mirrored the emptiness within his heart. He prayed silently, praying that his grandfather, father, and mother would grant him as much time as possible, allowing You Lan'er to deliver the letter.

Before long, distant beacon fires blazed, illuminating the tip of the red-tasseled spear. Liang Shao's face, too, finally warmed slightly amidst the soaring flames. At this moment, he was no longer the reckless Liang the Tyrant of Mizhou.

Liang Shao slowly raised his red-tasseled spear, the tip pointing straight ahead.

A question rang out from the other end: "Who is blocking the way?"

"Liang Shao of Mizhou!"

"Ha! Who is Liang Shao?"

"You damned Yama who will take your worthless life!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the tip of his spear pierced the ground with golden light. Liang Shao charged forward, engaging the vanguard in fierce combat. After several dozen rounds, the vanguard was pierced through the chest by Liang Shao's spear. Only then did the remaining Chariot soldiers realize the strength of the man before them, and they all swung their swords in a flurry.

Although Liang Shao was valiant, the enemy numbered about a hundred, and no matter how skilled he was, he couldn't hold them off alone. Soon, he suffered a cut to his right arm and could no longer lift his spear, so he had to use his left arm to draw his Qing Shuang sword to defend himself. More and more Chariot soldiers charged forward…

As Liang Shao fell atop the layers of enemy corpses, all he could see was the smoke rising from the watchtower, like an unyielding cloud.

The remaining Chariot soldiers were also exhausted. Seeing him lying in a pool of blood, they couldn't help but grin and curse him fiercely, preparing to save their strength to deliver a fatal blow.

There was no moon tonight, but thin clouds drifted by. Liang Shao thought that he would eventually perish here, and tears streamed down his face, diluting the blood on his cheeks into a pink hue.

This place is vast and open; this place is the tomb of heroes.

I would have no regrets if I died here.

But he didn't want to die...

Who would want to die...?

He recalled the scolding from his grandfather and elder brother, and his heart still ached: "The Liang family isn't without anything! Your uncle is in the Ministry of War, and your grandfather used to have some influence in the court. Why must you risk your life on the battlefield to earn your future?!"

The soldiers from Chatai had already approached with their swords drawn, ready to deliver the final blow. He was already at his limit and powerless to resist, so he simply panted and waited for the final stab to penetrate his body.

Every breath he took was accompanied by excruciating pain throughout his body. His vision began to blur, and when he closed his eyes, he seemed to see Shanhe. Her laughter and her tears flashed before his eyes like a revolving lantern.

Ah, if only I could see Shan Shan and my brother one last time before I die...

He closed his eyes in despair, waiting desperately for the final blow.

The steel knife fell, and a dull pain shot through my chest.

However, this is not the feeling of a sharp blade piercing flesh.

Something else scattered across her chest.

He opened his eyes and realized with a start that it was the red musk bracelet and soft armor that had blocked the blow.

It's good, good!

Shan Shan is saving him!

Shanshan didn't want him to die either...

All the memories associated with the red musk bracelet and the soft armor flashed before his eyes, and the condensed night transformed into Shanhe's face, smiling at him gently.

He finally broke down at this moment, bursting into tears. His hand, hanging on the ground, gripped a steel knife beside him. He roared and slashed open the man's throat, blood splattering all over his face.

The scouts behind the man charged forward, howling. Liang Shao lay on the ground, panting heavily. He planned to take a few more dog lives before he died.

The expected carnage did not materialize; instead, a familiar shout rang in Liang Shao's ears. Immediately afterward, an arrow struck the leading Chariot soldier in the face. Then, countless arrows rained down, and the Chariot soldiers at the front froze, all falling backward.

Zhuang Yizhao led the men who had previously benefited from Liang Shao on horseback.

Dozens of them wielded their own weapons, carving a bloody path for Liang Shao. When only a dozen or so of the enemy remained, seeing that all was lost, they had no choice but to flee.

Zhuang Yizhao hurriedly dropped his weapon and saw Liang Shao covered in blood, his eyes reddening. He hastily carried Liang Shao onto his horse, and heard the man on his shoulder open his blood-stained mouth, his voice hoarse: "Don't look for Zhu Xian, go directly... go directly to the General..." After saying that, he completely fainted.

In fact, the towering smoke had already alerted General Pei's central army immediately.

Liang Shao woke up seven days later.

His body was wrapped in bandages in many places, and even the slightest movement would trigger excruciating pain all over his body.

When Youlan'er saw that he had woken up, her eyes lit up: "Don't move! Don't move! I'll go and call the General!"

Soon, the felt curtain was lifted, and a middle-aged general clad in silver armor strode in. He was tall and imposing, with a commanding presence. Following closely behind was his military advisor, Wei Ruhai. You Lan'er brought over two chairs, bowed to them, and then withdrew.

Pei Zhi looked Liang Shao up and down and smiled, "Your injury is not fatal; you will recover after some rest."

Liang Shao was about to bow in gratitude, but Pei Zhi stopped him, saying, "No need for formalities. I have already submitted a memorial to the court requesting a reward for you. This time, you uncovered the enemy's plot to burn down Anping Granary at night and also exposed the traitor Zhu Xian. You have made a first-class contribution! You deserve a reward!"

Liang Shao's eyes immediately lit up, but then he remembered that Zhu Xian had made the same promise to his family last time, and the hope burning in his heart gradually died down.

Wei Ruhai laughed and said, "Little Liang Shao, the Pei family has held the title of General of the State for generations. They wouldn't deliberately trip you up for such a small amount of military merit."

Liang Shao hurriedly replied, "I wouldn't dare," but Pei Zhi laughed loudly, interrupting him: "Wei Ruhai, don't flatter me. If I were a few years younger, it might not have been Liang Shao who made the contribution!"

All three of them burst into laughter.

Pei Zhi arranged for Liang Shao to recuperate in the central army camp, and You Lan'er lived next door to Liang Shao, taking care of him day and night.

Pei Zhi valued Liang Shao highly. He said that he was the only son in his family and had never experienced brotherly affection. Now he visited Liang Shao every day, as if he really had a younger brother. He was like a newborn calf that was not afraid of tigers, which made people feel sorry for him.

Liang Shao hurriedly said he was terrified.

Pei Zhi stared at his face, remained silent for a long time, and then said, "Actually, I have known about Zhu Xian's matter for a long time."

Liang Shao's heart sank.

"However, because we have no evidence, we have not been able to find a suitable opportunity to thoroughly investigate this matter. Now that you have risked your life to tear open this hole, I have a reason to ask those people in Kyoto to investigate the corruption in the military, so that they won't keep making a fuss in Kyoto every day."

He patted Liang Shao on the shoulder: "Take good care of yourself. Your good news is coming."

After leaving Liang Shao's residence, Pei Zhi went straight to the office of Military Advisor Wei. Pei Zhi's memorials were often dictated by him and written by Military Advisor Wei—because His Majesty disliked his calligraphy for being too unrestrained, while Military Advisor Wei's official script was deeply appreciated by the Emperor.

Pei Zhi stood with his hands behind his back: "Liang Shao of Mizhou is loyal and brave, with unparalleled wisdom and strategy. In the isolated and desperate situation of the Lone Tower, he lit the beacon fire to alert the three armies, defended the strategic pass and crushed ten thousand enemies; he protected the grain and fodder from the brink of collapse, and eliminated the traitors at his own doorstep. His merits are for the country and his achievements are renowned on the frontier. I humbly request Your Majesty to grant him the rank of Zhaowu Colonel, a sixth-grade official, and to effectively command the vanguard battalion of the Beichuan Army." He paused: "Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, Baron... or perhaps, grant him the title of Baron?"

Military Advisor Wei frowned: "Although he has made contributions, he is not worthy of being ennobled. Moreover, he is only eighteen years old. Ennobled so early is probably not a good idea."

Pei Zhi pondered for a moment: "You can attach it to the end and write it down first. Whether or not to grant a title is still up to His Majesty's decision."

"Why does the general favor Liang Shao so much?"

Pei Zhi smiled: "The trouble caused by Zhu Xian lies in the system. There is a saying: 'Since ancient times, when peace is established by generals, generals are not allowed to see peace.' Since the time of Emperor Taizu, the Pei family has been full of loyal and righteous men. Although we have held the title of General of the State, by my generation, we have long been an eyesore to His Majesty. Therefore, it is inevitable that His Majesty would tacitly approve of someone like Zhu Xian who secretly colludes with the enemy. Emperor Gaozong of the previous dynasty consolidated power and established four minor generals in Beichuan. My military power in Beichuan has long been diluted. Apart from this central army, the four armies in the east, west, south, and north are outwardly respectful, but in reality, they no longer obey my orders. For example, I have known about Zhu Xian's matter for a long time, but I dare not rashly step forward."

Military Advisor Wei sighed, “That’s right. Someone like Zhu Xian, born into a prestigious family, and with an older sister who has entered the palace as a concubine, let alone the general, even His Majesty would have to think twice before taking action against him. The late emperor sent them to Beichuan to keep the general in check, but as time went on, they became powerful and independent, and now they are showing signs of separatism.”

“That’s right.” Pei Zhi suddenly turned around. “To contend with these people, we need to promote those from humble backgrounds who aren’t from aristocratic families. But those who are truly from poor families, with no support from their families, will find it extremely difficult to fight against the likes of Zhu Xian, and it will probably take many years. On the other hand, someone like Liang Shao, from a declining aristocratic family, is neither truly noble nor truly from a poor family. He has a passionate heart, is very close to the common people, and has a family member serving as an official in the court, though not a close one. He usually thinks of the common people, and in times of danger, his family background can provide him with a safety net. This is the most suitable person.”

Military Advisor Wei couldn't help but ask, "But wouldn't His Majesty consider these things? What if His Majesty realizes that General Liang Shao is someone he's determined to promote to rival the Four Armies, and deliberately keeps quiet about it?"

Pei Zhi smiled slowly: "This is where the importance of background lies. If I were to promote someone truly from a humble background, and His Majesty did not approve, then there would be no reason for it. Military Advisor Wei, do you remember who Liang Shao's grandfather and father were? I heard that his elder brother has already been pre-selected as a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), but I don't know his exact rank. And his maternal uncle is the most eager for fame and fortune. As long as this memorial is sent to the capital, even if His Majesty does not approve Liang Shao's promotion, those people will rack their brains to help Liang Shao."

Half a month later, the emperor's reward arrived by express horse from the capital.

Liang Shao of Mizhou was granted the rank of Zhaowu Colonel, a sixth-grade official, and actually held the position of Commander of the Vanguard Battalion of the Beichuan Army. He was also granted the title of Baron of Huguo County.

Pei Zhi stood on the high ground, gazing intently at Liang Shao below, who was surrounded by his soldiers, and said slowly, "Since the Huo family, the Duke of Protectorate, was raided during the reign of Emperor Gaozong, this is the first time the title of 'Protector of the Nation' has been used."

Military Advisor Wei lowered his head, not daring to speak.

Pei Zhen laughed heartily, "Why aren't you saying anything? Don't worry, I'm not a petty person. I'm just lamenting how times have changed. The four founding generals of that era are now scattered and adrift. Only the Xu family of Jinling is doing somewhat better." He looked at Liang Shao, who was laughing loudly in the distance, "I wonder how far and how long these two Liang brothers can go..."

From that day on, Liang Shao became the commander of the vanguard battalion of the Beichuan army. Not long after, Zhuang Yizhao and others were also transferred to his command.

The Vanguard Battalion was General Pei's sharpest blade, and also the place where corpses lay piled high. Entrusting the Vanguard Battalion to Liang Shao was undoubtedly a sign of his high regard for him. From then on, Liang Shao was no longer the nameless soldier Lu Zi; he was Commander Liang, the highest-ranking commander of the Vanguard Battalion among all the battalions of the Beichuan Army.

By the end of October, the cold wind was biting, and Liang Shao's injuries were finally almost healed. You Lan'er continued to brew medicine and change his dressings every day.

Liang Shao found You Lan'er, gave her fifty taels of silver, and said with a smile, "Miss Lan'er, thank you for taking care of me. From tomorrow onwards, you don't need to come anymore. My injury has healed a lot, and I can change my dressings myself from now on."

Yulan'er pursed her lips: "General, what if I am doing this willingly?"

Liang Shao was taken aback, and he slowly realized what was going on.

"There are many people in the army, and it is not good for Miss You, a weak woman, to be coming and going in this place all the time."

Yu Lan'er's eyes welled up with tears, and she said urgently, "General, my father is dead, and there is no one else in the family but me. Our house has also been destroyed. Where do you want me to go, sir?"

Liang Shao suddenly remembered Shan He.

Her hands, hanging by her sides, slowly clenched. Shanhe was also an orphan with no parents or home, so where had she gone?

Seeing him frowning in deep thought, You Lan'er's heart nearly broke: "General, are you still thinking about that Lady Xue?"

Liang Shao remained silent.

“Madam Xue is a decisive person, and I truly admire her. I don’t want anything else. That day, the general saved my life. My life was given to me by the general. I only wish to be a maidservant by the general’s side, to have a place to stay. I don’t ask for anything else.”

Liang Shao suddenly looked up, about to say something, when Pei Zhi lifted the curtain and entered. Seeing You Lan'er there, he couldn't help but smile. You Lan'er quickly curtsied and withdrew. After she left, Pei Zhi said, "Miss You is truly devoted to you. If you like, I can help you make the decision—"

Liang Shao frowned and interrupted him: "General, I already have a wife."

Pei Zhi knew that Liang Shao had already divorced, yet he still longed for Lady Xue, which he found amusing. He changed the subject, saying, "As the saying goes, autumn is for harvest and winter for storage. It's almost November, and your injury will probably need another month or two to heal. This is your first year in Beichuan, so you must be missing home. In a few days, at the latest by December, you can go home directly for the festival, which will also help you recover. You can come back after the New Year. I heard that you have an elder brother in the capital. If you and your brother stay in the capital for the festival, please take some things back to the Zhenguo General's Mansion for me. When I return next spring, I would also like to ask you to escort my wife and my unruly son to Beichuan. Is that alright?"

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Author's Note: This chapter was so hard to write [crying emoji] The next chapter will still be about Shanshan and Dog Brother in Kyoto.

The title "Protector of the State" is something I made up. A baron is the lowest rank among dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, and barons, but my younger brother's title "Protector of the State" is quite prestigious.