Chapter 820: Deceptive Tactics [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Although Zhao Feng spoke with an air of magnanimity, after returning home he embraced his brother's memorial tablet and wept uncontrollably, tears and snot streaming down his face. He wailed and howled, his cries more mournful than any ghost's, drawing the attention of those nearby who wondered what had gotten into Zhao Feng.
"Could it be that my niece's condition has changed?"
"No way, didn't Old Zhao say his niece was alright?"
They had survived the most dangerous times, so there was no reason for him to suddenly die just when his wounds were about to heal. A hot-tempered man kicked open the tent flap of Zhao Feng's tent while cursing, and saw him holding the memorial tablet and crying. He swallowed the curses that were about to come out of his mouth and silently withdrew.
Outside, there were people wearing pajamas and cloaks craning their necks.
Their eyes questioned what was happening inside.
The hot-tempered man waved his hand and sighed, "Old Zhao is thinking of his brother again, and he's inside grieving."
Upon hearing this, everyone's anger instantly dissipated.
They had all come a long way through hardships and displacement, and in those days of weathering storms together and supporting each other, their bond had become extraordinary, including that of the subordinate official. To Zhao Feng, he was a true brother; how could he not be heartbroken?
"Let's disperse. Old Zhao probably saw or heard something today and it triggered his emotions. Let him howl; he'll stop once he's vented." He waved his hand, signaling everyone to go back to their places and not gather here. "With Gong Su here, it'll be fine."
Everyone was relieved.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Feng cried and wailed for half the night.
I ran into Zhao Feng this morning and couldn't help but complain about him a couple of times.
Zhao Feng remained calm, his voice hoarse from crying, and his eyelids weren't even swollen. He rolled his eyes and said, "What are you all so delicate about? Do you think my crying is louder than your snoring? You snore louder than thunder and still sleep like dead pigs."
Even thunderous snoring can't wake me up, why are you being so fussy?
Everyone: "..."
If they weren't in a military camp, Gao would have given Zhao Feng a good beating.
Zhao Feng went to drill the soldiers as usual, and the soldiers thought it was just another routine day of preparation for battle. Little did they know that their general seemed to have taken the wrong medicine, and his strictness made even the battle-hardened soldiers weak in the knees. After half a day, there were hardly any left who could still stand and talk.
Their bodies were severely injured, and their spirits were also attacked. For a time, the drill ground was filled with wailing and howling, no less mournful than Zhao Feng's the previous day. Zhao Feng's unusual behavior quickly reached Wu Xian's ears. When he learned that Zhao Feng's abnormality stemmed from mourning his subordinate the previous night, he couldn't help but feel somewhat embarrassed and abandoned his attempt to comfort Zhao Feng. The death of that subordinate had become a thorn in their side.
It can't be pulled out, and leaving it in causes a dull ache.
Now I can only hope that I can think more positively about the bigger picture.
I believe time will heal all wounds.
Wu Xian rubbed his sore nose, sighed wearily, and quickly cheered up, raising the corners of his lips.
His loving gaze fell upon the boy waiting beside him, and he nodded to him. Before the boy could cheer with joy, he added, "But with war imminent between the two armies, we can only wander around the vicinity of Chaoli Pass. We can't go too far, understand?"
With his second son's birthday approaching, Wu Xian prepares a gift for him every year, but the boy says that the army is strapped for cash and he doesn't want to spend money; he just wants to be taken out for some fresh air and hunting. Wu Xian smiles and says, "Nothing else besides this?"
The handsome young man, full of youthful vigor, shook his head, his eyes brimming with a child's affection for his father: "It's enough for your son to have you with him for my birthday... Father, you've been so busy lately, it's been difficult for me to even see you and exchange a few words with you..."
Wu Xian's heart was slightly touched.
He vaguely remembered that he hadn't spent much time with his son in a long time, and after a little consideration, he agreed to his son's request. The father and son would often go hunting together in Tianhai, traversing the dense forests and galloping across the hunting grounds. He even taught his son archery skills himself.
Wu Xian sighed, "This is my fault as a father."
This son is just like him; both father and son have stubborn tempers and never give in when they argue. But perhaps as he grows older and more sensible, he has learned to understand the hardships of fatherhood, so how could he not like him? Using a birthday gift in exchange for his company shows he truly misses him, and he has indeed neglected his child. Wu Xian beckons his attendants to prepare the hunting supplies.
The father and son were enjoying each other's company.
Little did they know that there was another son who was so jealous that his eyes turned red.
It felt as if a dark, venomous snake was coiled around his chest, coiling around his heart. With each muscle contraction, the tightening pressure gave him the illusion that his heart was being crushed. Moreover, the snake dripped with deadly venom, slowly corrupting his heart. He internally questioned and roared uncontrollably, his face contorted in rage!
Jealousy and hatred distorted his features.
"Young Master?"
A clear, gentle male voice awakened him from his slumber.
He suddenly became more alert, his eyes filled with fear and worry as he looked at the man sitting upright before him. He lowered his head nervously, saying, "I...I was lost in thought just now, please forgive me, sir..."
Qin Li's eyes were very dark at this moment, so dark that it was impossible to discern his specific emotions. He looked at the eldest young master with a mixture of pity and kindness: "Eldest young master, there is no need to apologize. It was not a big deal."
With Zhao Feng, the cheap teacher, too busy to attend to anything else, the eldest son's closest attendant was silenced for reporting that "the second son was plotting to harm the eldest son." Wu Xian concluded that there were villains around his eldest son inciting the brothers to fight amongst themselves, and began to purge a group of them.
Although the eldest son still travels with a large entourage, he has no trusted confidants among them, and he feels no sense of security.
Having lost his only emotional haven, the eldest son's presence became increasingly transparent; those unaware of his plight might have thought he was being completely ignored by Cui Xiao. Compared to his younger brother, who shone like a bright pearl, the eldest son was like a worthless, withered fish eye, huddled in the darkest corner, uncared for. In such a state, how could a young man's mind possibly develop healthily?
The eldest son's eyes were moist.
Faced with Qin Li's gentleness and friendliness, her eyes welled up with tears.
Qin Li smiled and said, "Does the eldest young master also want to go hunting?"
The eldest son lowered his head sadly, resting his hands on his knees, and said in a barely audible voice, "Yes, I want to, but my archery skills are mediocre. If I go with you, it will only cause you more worry, Father..."
He knew from a very young age that his father favored his younger brother, who was both literate and skilled in martial arts. Because his brother was the second son and had no burden of inheriting the family business, even though his father treated both brothers equally and was equally strict, he was always gentler with his brother.
Unfortunately, he lacked natural talent, learned everything slowly, and had an unpleasant personality. His father's gaze towards him gradually shifted from expectation to disappointment, until finally, he couldn't even muster the despair. This realization tormented him. He tried his best to be the heir, to be a good older brother, hoping to set a good example for them... but it was too difficult, too difficult. He couldn't learn anything well.
Not to mention his outstanding younger brother, even his half-brothers born to his concubine learn faster than him. Their early education would leave him far behind in just a few years, and he would have to learn from his younger brother instead. If he were his father, he would also be disappointed.
He just didn't understand that he was also his father's son.
Aside from his lack of outstanding performance, his affection for his father was no less than that for his younger brothers. Why couldn't his father show him a little more love? Why did his father leave him in such an awkward position, allowing his second brother to despise him and even try to poison him...?
His only loyal attendant was also silenced.
His father said the matter was over, protecting his younger brother, which was tantamount to ignoring his life. In extreme isolation and helplessness, he became obsessed, but at the same time, the thought began to cross his mind—did even his father want him dead?
The eldest son of the legitimate wife must be the heir to ensure that the ambitions of other sons are eliminated and the source of any potential calamities is eradicated. Even the second son of the legitimate wife is considered an illegitimate son. This is because only the eldest son of the legitimate wife is the head of the main line, while the other brothers, regardless of their birth, belong to a subordinate line. Once the eldest son dies and no longer holds the title of eldest son, the second brother will naturally become the rightful heir, and there will be no further disputes.
But he was still alive.
He himself wanted to continue living.
Do mediocre people not deserve to live in this world?
His father was disappointed by his mediocrity, but did he want to be mediocre? He had no choice; the title of eldest son was forced upon him, not of his own volition! Over the years, how much effort, sweat, and blood he had poured into his life—had his father ever seen it?
A strong will to survive and jealousy became fertilizer for his ambition. He looked at Qin Li timidly, speaking weakly, while hoping that the other party would have some pity on him.
He simply has no one left who can be of use!
The fact that Qin Li was willing to offer kindness was a lifeline for him! He knew very well that Qin Li held traditional views and was a staunch supporter of primogeniture. Although he had fallen out of favor with his father, Qin Li was capable, and if he could scheme and plan for him, his situation would likely improve significantly. Even if things got worse, as long as the other party helped him, he could at least live a better life!
His pitiful state resonated with Qin Li.
"Archery? I do know a little bit about it. If the young master doesn't mind, how about we take a stroll around the training ground today, since the weather is nice?"
The eldest son was overjoyed, and a hint of happiness appeared on his face, but he quickly suppressed it. He couldn't have asked for more.
As for Qin Li?
Yes, he couldn't be happier.
Despite Qin Li's scholarly attire and seemingly frail appearance, he possessed a well-defined physique beneath the robes, and his arms could easily draw a two-stone bow. From over 150 paces away, without any aid of his literary skills, he could effortlessly pierce a target. This feat dazzled the eldest son, who begged Qin Li to teach him, but then, realizing his mistake, blushed slightly.
Qin Li seemed oblivious to his embarrassment and chuckled, "I've had some free time lately, so if you really want to learn, then study hard..."
He patiently guided the eldest son through every movement.
"Yes, that's it, keep your arm steady..."
The eldest son lacked arm strength, so Qin Li helped him draw the bowstring hand-in-hand. The arrow left the bow and hit the bullseye.
"The longbows used by archers are not suitable for the young master. I'll make one for him later. He can practice more in private to get a feel for it. I won't say he'll hit the target every time, but he can still shoot a few prey." Qin Li shared a lot of his experience and promised to make one tailor-made for him.
The eldest son was astonished: "Sir, you can also make bows?"
Qin Li's smile was warm and approachable, quite different from the stern and unsmiling image the eldest young master had of him. The person before him seemed more lively and approachable: "I learned some skills when I was young, but I've neglected them for many years. My craftsmanship isn't as good as that of a master craftsman. I hope the eldest young master won't find it lacking..."
The eldest son shook his head vigorously.
How could he possibly dislike it?
Qin Li, whom his father had once valued, was willing to be close to him—a good start! Don't let his young age and mediocre talent fool you; he had learned a lot of cunning through his upbringing. He had wondered why Qin Li would suddenly become so friendly. Everyone knew that as the eldest son, he was disliked by his father and his position was precarious; siding with him would bring him no benefit. But Qin Li didn't give him a chance to doubt.
They used Zhao Feng as a shield.
Zhao Feng frankly stated that he was worried about his student, the eldest son, and had privately spoken to Qin Li on his behalf. Qin Li, having been asked to do so and having some free time lately, decided to check on the eldest son. The two only discussed personal matters and not business, so no one else could say anything…
The answer brought the eldest son a sense of relief, but also disappointment. The former was because Qin Li's purpose in approaching him was very simple, and the latter was because Qin Li's reason for approaching him was too simple! He had been happy for nothing.
Qin Li spent the afternoon with the eldest son at the training ground.
With the gentle and meticulous encouragement and guidance of a good teacher, the eldest son's terrible archery skills improved significantly, giving him great confidence.
The two parted ways, and Qin Li returned to his tent with a smile.
Inside the tent, a pair of resentful eyes peered out. Zhao Feng had been waiting for him for a long time: "Why did Gong Su go and get close to the eldest son?"
Qin Li remained calm: "The eldest young master was all alone, which was quite pitiful, so I kept him company and played with him in the training ground for a while."
I had a very pleasant afternoon.
Zhao Feng was almost choked and speechless.
The news last night kept him awake all night in agony. He couldn't believe that Gong Su harbored no resentment whatsoever, let alone that he would so gently approach the eldest son the next day, whom he had previously avoided. When Zhao Feng learned of this, his eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost.
In her anger, she blurted out, "What's so pitiful about him?"
Qin Li's eyes were deep and dark: "Indeed pitiful."
Zhao Feng almost couldn't catch his breath.
However, he never questioned Qin Li's decisions.
Zhao Feng remained silent, but Qin Li began to ask questions.
"Is the greater good something you can't understand?"
Zhao Fengdao said, "Let's not create any unnecessary complications at this time."
If we're going to cut ties cleanly, then let's make a clean break.
"Adding complications? Why isn't that just right?" Qin Li let out a strange sneer, then changed the subject, turning the topic back to the persistent evil scheme, "I must say, Qi Yuanliang's methods of deceiving people's trust are quite effective."
Zhao Feng was puzzled: "Deceive the young master's trust?"
What use is a cowardly and mediocre eldest son? Although he didn't say it aloud, Zhao Feng's expression was written all over his face. Qin Li lowered his eyes and smiled coldly: "Dayi, guess if I have any grudge against the lord?"
Zhao Feng didn't know how to answer.
Qin Li calmly replied, "I have one."
Zhao Feng asked in a daze, "So?"
Qin Li: "Let's teach our lord a lesson."
Zhao Feng looked bewildered: "Lesson?"
“What use is there in keeping a disobedient lord? But I, Qin, still have some conscience and cannot commit the heinous act of murdering my lord, so this is just a small lesson.” Qin Li could tolerate all the things that had happened over the years, but the death of Zhao Feng’s subordinate had crossed his bottom line.
To some extent—
Their entire family died for him, Duke Su of Qin!
He should be the one to settle this blood debt!
Zhao Feng vaguely understood something, and looked at Qin Li with a hint of horror, but he still said the same thing—he would not question Qin Li's decision. Qin Li was Young Master Qin, and he always would be!
He said, "Okay!"
Qin Li stroked the bamboo slip in his hand and lowered his eyes: "If it were Qi Yuanliang, he would probably take advantage of Wu Zhaode's hunting trip to make his move, and arrange it in a reasonable way. But I still have some conscience."
For example, the death of a son or two can cause excruciating pain.
Zhao Feng: "...Indeed."
Yes, but not many.
The former Prince Qin, now Duke Su of Qin—hating Yuan Liang, understanding Yuan Liang, becoming Yuan Liang.
PS: There was a slight inconsistency in Wu Xian's portrayal of his second son. I reviewed the previous text and made some corrections.
(End of this chapter)
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