Chapter 117: Xu Sets the Tone

At the critical moment, just as Wei Wuji was about to press his sword against the general’s shoulder, a voice from outside the chamber brought his movements to a halt. Although the general’s expression remained unchanged, he breathed a profound sigh of relief internally.

Though Wei Wuji had acted imperiously before, who could have truly believed he would dare to draw his sword inside? The act of smashing the cup had already shown everyone how audacious he was, but the reality proved that they had vastly underestimated him.

After sheathing his blade—or rather, holding it behind his back rather than returning it to its scabbard—Wei Wuji’s posture kept the general on edge. The general knew that if Wei Wuji decided to strike again, he could only pray that his own reactions would be fast enough to survive.

"You lot are usually eager to tear the White Tiger Hall apart; why are you so quiet today?" An elderly general stood at the entrance of the main hall, his hands clasped behind his back.

"This subordinate pays respects to Pillar of State Xu..."

Everyone in the hall bowed deeply toward the figure at the doorway. It was Xu Anhong, one of the three Pillars of State for the Wei Kingdom. He crossed the threshold, his cold gaze sweeping over those gathered in the White Tiger Hall.

"I thought you had truly turned over a new leaf... but it seems you’ve simply found a different way to play your games," Xu Anhong said coldly, his eyes fixed on Wei Wuji.

Xu Anhong had witnessed the scene from outside the door—Wei Wuji threatening the general with his sword—and it had given the old man quite a shock. Looking at Wei Wuji’s youthful face, Xu Anhong felt a sense of weary bitterness. Why was this young man such a magnet for trouble? Back in the Chen Kingdom, he had dared to have Wang Xian publicly flogged right in front of him, which had given Xu a taste of his character. Just yesterday, the boy had clashed with people from Lady Wei’s faction and even drawn his blade... The more Xu Anhong thought about it, the more speechless he became. Did the little one not realize his own vulnerability? Or did he simply not know the meaning of fear?

If the general had known Xu Anhong’s inner thoughts, he certainly wouldn't have been so confident that Wei Wuji wouldn't dare cause trouble. After all, if he dared to draw steel against Lady Wei’s people, dealing with a general who commanded ten thousand men would be effortless.

Ignoring the thoughts of those present, Wei Wuji spoke first. "Old General, please judge fairly. That man insulted me, and I had no choice but to retaliate," Wei Wuji said, bowing to Xu Anhong while still holding his sword in front of him, which caused the old general to arch an eyebrow.

The gathered generals wore strange expressions upon hearing this explanation. To draw a sword just because of a few provocative words—there was surely no justice in that. Yet, they could only keep such thoughts to themselves, as none wished to provoke Wei Wuji.

Before the insulted general could speak, Xu Anhong turned to him and asked in a deep voice, "What exactly did you say to make the young master so furious?"

The general felt like crying. It was he who had almost been cut down, yet here he was being questioned! Still, he had no choice but to answer. "Reporting to the Grand General, I merely mentioned that the young master had previously lost the city of Dashi," he said, carefully controlling his pace to avoid agitating Wei Wuji further.

Hearing this, Xu Anhong could understand Wei Wuji’s rage. He was a young man, after all; it was natural to be angry when one’s failures were pointed out in front of so many people.

"Enough, step back. Let us hear no more of this," Xu Anhong commanded. The general bowed and retreated.

Having settled the matter, Xu Anhong turned his gaze to Chen Dao, who stood at the head of the hall. "How are the deliberations going?"

Before Chen Dao could report, the quick-witted Wei Wuji jumped in. "Old General, these people are going too far. They are trying to seize the credit for my unit’s achievements. You must uphold justice!" Wei Wuji said, feigning injury.

The generals’ expressions shifted again. This young master truly played by no conventional rules!

"What is going on?" Xu Anhong asked, turning to Wei Wuji. Seizing the opportunity, Wei Wuji laid out all the far-fetched claims the others had made. Xu Anhong listened in silence. Such things were all too common within the Wei army. There was no such thing as inherent justice; one had to fight for it themselves.

"The young master’s contributions are indeed significant," Xu Anhong began, choosing his words carefully. "Our Great Wei rewards merit; the young master should naturally be treated with favor."

Wei Wuji was about to rejoice, but a harsh voice interrupted. "Old General, it is true that the young master has merit, but we have also contributed significantly..."

During the siege, there were only a few battles that had a major impact on the outcome. If things went as Wei Wuji demanded, the others would lose credit for two major feats: intercepting the Chen cavalry and protecting the supply lines. This was intolerable for generals looking to advance their rank and fortune. Given the Wei army’s strength, it was notoriously difficult to earn promotions through ordinary military deeds alone.

"Then tell me, how exactly did you contribute?" Xu Anhong asked the speaker.

The general chuckled sheepishly. "When the young master raided the Chen forces, I was stationed nearby. If not for my deterrence, the Chen troops would not have retreated so easily."

He looked embarrassed as he spoke. Such excuses might have fooled a newcomer like Wei Wuji, but to say them in front of Xu Anhong required a thick skin. Xu Anhong sneered inwardly.

"Does anyone else have anything to say?" Xu Anhong asked, his expression calm as he swept his gaze over the room. Seeing that Xu Anhong was listening, the others seized the chance to boast of their own "contributions." The room became noisy as they pushed and shoved, bickering incessantly.

*Bang!*

Xu Anhong slammed his hand on the table, silencing the commotion. "Enough!" His voice boomed with the authority of a seasoned veteran. The generals immediately fell silent, bowing their heads like children caught misbehaving. Wei Wuji was stunned—was this the same kindly old grandfather figure?

"All you do is bicker and squabble," Xu Anhong said, his gaze cold. "For other achievements, everyone participated, so arguing over them is one thing... but to try and muscle in on something the young master accomplished alone? Do you have no shame left?"

Facing the reprimand, the generals lowered their heads; they knew they were in the wrong. Watching Xu Anhong bring them to heel with just a few words, Wei Wuji felt a surge of admiration, secretly hoping he might one day command such presence himself.

"The young master’s military credits will be recorded according to the central camp’s logs. No more nonsense," Xu Anhong declared, settling the matter once and for all. The official standing at the head of the hall bowed immediately. "As you command!"

Xu Anhong glanced at the generals again. Seeing some still looked resentful, he added, "Do not be dissatisfied. It was the Sovereign’s own wish that the young master be brought to the White Tiger Hall. You may be unhappy with me, but do you dare to question the Sovereign’s decision?"

"Do you dare to question the Sovereign’s decision?"

The question rang out, deafening and absolute.