Chapter 38: The General and the Commander

Another dawn, another beginning.

But in the military camp, there was none of the birdsong and fragrant blooms one might expect—only the frequent roars and shouts, like dragons and tigers.

“Young master, time to get up!” Zheng Dali called out to Wei Wuji with his usual unyielding persistence.

“So early?” Wei Wuji mumbled sleepily. It was remarkable, really—despite all his worries and concerns, he could still sleep as deeply as the dead.

Slowly donning his armor, Wei Wuji was about to head out for breakfast when he noticed a steaming hot bun already laid out on the table.

“What’s this…?” he asked, somewhat puzzled, turning his gaze to Zheng Dali.

“Young master, everyone else has already eaten. This was left for you,” Zheng Dali replied, his expression blank. He had never imagined it would be so difficult just to wake someone up.

After a quick wash, Wei Wuji grabbed the food off the table and began to eat, chewing slowly.

As he ate, his mind drifted to the matters discussed at yesterday’s council—the issues concerning himself and his own troops.

“Dali, go and summon all the captains, adjutants, and company leaders. I have something to say to them,” Wei Wuji instructed Zheng Dali, who stood by his side.

Wei Wuji thought it best to make things clear to everyone now, lest they keep waiting for the titles that might never come. Better to dash their hopes early than let them be disappointed later—after all, none of them could outmatch those generals.

Once Zheng Dali departed, Wei Wuji hurried to finish his breakfast. When he was nearly done, Zheng Dali returned, leading a group of officers into Wei Wuji’s tent.

“Greetings, young master!” The officers entered, lined up according to rank, and saluted Wei Wuji in unison.

Wei Wuji set aside what he was doing, turned, and said, “You’re all here. At ease.”

“Thank you, young master!” The officers straightened and looked toward Wei Wuji, who sat in the seat of honor.

Wei Wuji dusted off his robes and settled slowly into his chair.

“May I ask, young master, what you have summoned us for?” Wang Xiu, the chief among them, spoke on everyone’s behalf.

Wei Wuji gave an awkward chuckle before saying, “I’ve called you all here today to share some good news!”

At the mention of good news, the tension in the room melted away—anything but bad news was welcome.

“Well…” Wei Wuji paused, gathering his thoughts. “At yesterday’s council before the lord, I submitted the list of our troops’ achievements. All you need do now is wait for your rewards upon our triumphant return!”

At this, smiles broke out across the officers’ faces. Though they were all officers of the Wei army, they were still lower and mid-ranking, not particularly wealthy. The prospect of a handsome reward brought them joy.

Seeing their spirits lifted, Wei Wuji decided it was best to get the other matter out of the way quickly.

“There’s one more thing I must tell you,” he continued, as congratulations echoed around the tent.

The officers, having just been exchanging pleasantries, immediately fell silent, their eyes fixed on Wei Wuji, hoping for another surprise.

Wei Wuji sighed inwardly, knowing he was about to spoil their good mood.

“As for the matter we discussed before—granting noble titles based on military merit—the council of generals has rejected it,” he said, watching their reactions closely.

To his surprise, their expressions barely changed. In fact, Wei Wuji caught a hint of relief in their eyes.

This puzzled him. They’d just lost something valuable—shouldn’t they be angry? Noble titles were no trivial matter; they were closely tied to status, especially in an era so steeped in hierarchy. Titles were all the more important.

Why, then, did these men seem so unbothered? Unless… they already possessed titles themselves, and so the prospect of new ones meant little.

With that realization, Wei Wuji understood the flicker of relief he’d seen—like the great generals at yesterday’s council, his officers were not on the same side as the common soldiers.

It was true—where you stood shaped how you thought. Wei Wuji smiled bitterly to himself. The dream he’d cherished, of a camp united under his guidance like one family, was shattered.

Reality had taught him another lesson: there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests. When faced with wealth and honor, who can remain untouched?

Wei Wuji could change nothing, so he would say no more. Summoning these officers had only been his way of notifying them.

He sighed, rubbing his forehead. “That’s all. You may go now. Pass on what I said to your men.”

“Tell them to set their minds at ease. As long as they serve Great Wei loyally, the lord will not forget them,” Wei Wuji said, waving them away.

Once the officers had left, only Zheng Dali and Wei Wuji remained in the tent.

Now, a sense of powerlessness washed over Wei Wuji, deep and spiritual. His confidence, built on the unity of his subordinates, had just crumbled.

“So this is how it is—I’ve been too naive, living in a fairy tale,” he murmured, his current state bordering on madness.

Seeing him thus, Zheng Dali’s face showed a trace of concern.

“Young master, are you feeling unwell?” Zheng Dali asked.

Wei Wuji quickly shook his head at Zheng Dali’s worried face.

“I’m fine! I just ate too quickly and feel a bit choked. A drink of water will fix it.” With that, he picked up a bowl and took a sip.

The cool water ran down his throat, through his chest, and into his stomach. As the chill spread, he felt a little more revived.

He walked over to Zheng Dali and asked casually, “Dali, do you think people are all selfish?”

Without hesitation, Zheng Dali replied, “No, young master.”

“Did you not see their faces just now? All of them care only for their own status and fortune. Not one gave a thought for their men,” Wei Wuji said, agitated.

Zheng Dali hadn’t expected this to be the source of Wei Wuji’s frustration and was mildly surprised, seeing him in a new light.

“But young master, aren’t you different from them?” Zheng Dali looked directly into Wei Wuji’s eyes.

“I…” Wei Wuji could not answer.

“And it’s not just you. For example…” Zheng Dali continued, “The lady—did she not give everything for you?”

“My mother?” Wei Wuji was stunned at the mention of Lady Dan. She truly had sacrificed much for him.

Though it felt somewhat disrespectful, he said, “No, that’s not it. My mother only treats me that way. She favors me, so she’s only selfless toward me.”

“Young master, you’re mistaken. The lady is kind not only to you, but to others as well,” Zheng Dali insisted. “She helped me, a stranger, didn’t she? She even spent her savings to save my life.”

Wei Wuji found himself unable to refute this and stood there, lost in thought.

Zheng Dali went on, “It’s good that you care for your men, young master. But not everyone has such generosity.”

Wei Wuji turned his head, studying Zheng Dali more closely. Was this really the same rough, fierce-looking man as before?

Zheng Dali continued, “If you feel lonely, young master, why not go out and see the others? Spend time with your brothers-in-arms, and you won’t feel this way.”

Wei Wuji was a little surprised. “How did you know?”

That caught Zheng Dali off guard, and he couldn’t help but recall his unforgettable years as a warrior.

He shook off the memories, grinning cheekily. “I was just rambling, young master. If you think it’s worth trying, there’s no harm in going out.”

Wei Wuji shook his head, realizing that he truly couldn’t see through this man. Still, Zheng Dali had a point.

He really hadn’t spent much time with the common soldiers lately.

Wei Wuji smiled and said heartily, “Very well! I’ll take your advice. A bit of sunshine will do me good.”

With that, he set off and walked out of the tent.