Chapter 48: The Fiery Military Camp

Leaving the tent of Lord Wei, Wei Wuji hurried back toward his own camp. Along the way, his mind churned with countless thoughts. He could not fathom why his father had let him off so easily. Was this truly the same father who had never spared him a glance?

Lost in his tangled thoughts, Wei Wuji soon found himself at the entrance of his encampment. “The young lord has returned!” cried the soldier standing guard outside, raising his voice to alert those within. Instantly, the soldiers who had been fretting over Wei Wuji’s fate flocked to the camp’s entrance, dropping whatever tasks they held.

Who was Wei Wuji? He was the prince of Wei, their general, and a brother who had shared life and death by their side. That very morning, he had risked everything to argue with the quartermaster, seeking better provisions for his old comrades. For their sake, he had even allowed himself to be seized by General Tiger—known throughout Wei as a terror capable of silencing crying children, and regarded among the soldiers as a figure of ruthless severity.

Now, their young lord had endured the ruler’s reprimand and punishment for them—a kindness beyond imagination. Especially after the squad that accompanied Wei Wuji recounted his bold exploits, embellishing the tale with every retelling, the soldiers’ admiration for him surged to uncontrollable heights. Many secretly lamented that they had not been among those present.

Now, with their prince returned, how could they not be excited? Wei Wuji, seeing the tide of men rushing toward him, felt a pang of puzzlement. What were they planning? Fortunately, his confidence in his own conduct reassured him; otherwise, the scene before him would have seemed a prelude to a mass beating.

He strode toward the crowd, waving his hand, “I’m back!” The soldiers echoed his greeting, voices swelling in chorus. With Wei Wuji safely returned, the soldiers’ worries were finally put to rest, and joy spread through their ranks.

Very soon, he was surrounded, a wide circle forming around him as more soldiers approached from afar. Voices of concern rippled through the crowd. “Young lord, you’re finally back! You weren’t punished, were you?” “Young lord, we’re fine with steamed buns; you needn’t worry about us…” “Young lord, you had us worried…” “Young lord…”

Looking at the harmonious, familial atmosphere of his camp, Wei Wuji felt a warmth in his heart.

The affection these men held for him was sincere, so genuine that Wei Wuji felt a twinge of guilt. Was his selfishness worthy of their true feelings? He asked himself. After all, his intent had always been to secure his position and win the soldiers’ trust through various means, seeking benefit for himself. Everything he had done, whether by choice or compulsion, followed this logic. Strictly speaking, he had never truly acted in the soldiers’ interests.

Thus, his guilt was not unfounded. Human emotion is often tender—at least it proved Wei Wuji still possessed a conscience. Now, he truly felt a brotherly bond with his men.

Responding to their cheers, he greeted every face with a smile. To the soldiers, the young prince radiated boundless brilliance.

“Long live our young lord!” someone shouted, sending the atmosphere soaring once more. Wei Wuji quickly gestured for silence; having just been released from punishment, it was hardly the time for such fanfare. Another summons to the main tent would leave him with no defense.

At that moment, the officers who had been discussing strategies hurried out at the commotion. “Quiet down!” “Silence!” Under their unified command, the soldiers subdued their voices.

“Young lord, it’s best to let everyone return to their posts now. We mustn’t make a spectacle,” Wang Xiu advised, squeezing through the crowd to speak to Wei Wuji.

Wang Xiu’s words snapped Wei Wuji to alertness; indeed, it was wise to remain low-key for now. “All right, everyone, settle down and disperse,” he called to the crowd. Seeing they lingered, he continued, “Go practice your drills; we’ll gather again at supper!” He added, “If you disrupt military discipline, you’ll not only harm yourselves, but I’ll suffer alongside you!” At the mention of military law, even Wei Wuji found it hard to believe himself.

The soldiers, finally reassured, departed under the guidance of their respective officers. With Wei Wuji safely returned, their hearts were at ease.

As the troops withdrew, Wang Xiu, Zheng Dali, and the others approached. “Young lord, you’re finally back!” Zheng Dali exclaimed, still shaken. Had anything happened to Wei Wuji, he’d have no explanation for his superiors.

Wang Xiu and the senior officers harbored their own grievances. Moments ago, they had been debating Wei Wuji’s impulsiveness, nearly coming to blows with Zheng Dali. Now, with his safe return, they refrained from saying more, though it did not mean they approved of his actions—after all, they were not rank-and-file soldiers.

Once he had composed himself, Wang Xiu stepped forward, “Young lord, how did the ruler deal with the matter?”

Naturally, Wang Xiu did not ask about the event itself; they had already inquired thoroughly from the officer who accompanied Wei Wuji.

Wei Wuji had no intention of discussing matters outside. “Let’s speak inside,” he said.

Wang Xiu and the others bowed and followed him into the tent. Wei Wuji walked straight to the main seat. Once his officers were assembled, he began, “First, I remain the captain of this unit.”

His opening words clarified his relationship with them—precisely what they cared about most. Hearing this, astonishment swept the tent. How could it be? It was unimaginable; any prince causing such a scene at the quartermaster’s would surely be dismissed and investigated.

Of course, none dared question Lord Wei’s decision. In the Wei army and throughout the state, one iron rule prevailed: whatever Lord Wei decreed was right.

Without dwelling on the point, Wei Wuji continued, “We are leaving this place.”

Another bombshell—leaving? To where? The officers’ minds raced with questions.

Before they could voice them, Wei Wuji explained, “The ruler has ordered us to escort provisions to the rear.”

He continued, “I expect specific instructions will arrive by tomorrow at the latest.”

The officers were uncertain whether to rejoice or lament. Escorting supplies was safer, but it made earning military merit much harder. Still, with matters settled, their opinions mattered little.

“That’s all,” Wei Wuji said as he sat, raising the kettle to his lips, for he was quite thirsty.

“Go inform your men; have them prepare,” he added after lowering the kettle.

The officers, their questions fading, departed to carry out his orders—those details no longer mattered.

Once they had left, Zheng Dali came over, “Young lord, you were far too reckless.”

Zheng Dali, unlike the others, spoke candidly to Wei Wuji.

“I’m blessed with luck—what could possibly happen?” Wei Wuji replied with a grin.

“Enough, don’t dwell on the past; I’ll be more careful in the future,” he said, pushing Zheng Dali away, for he had no inclination toward such closeness.

Wei Wuji spoke sincerely; he would not act so rashly again, for that unpredictable feeling was unbearable—only those who experienced it could understand.

“Now, go fetch me something to eat—I’m starving. Later, I’ll drink with the brothers to our heart’s content… Er, no, we’ll enjoy the moon together!” Wei Wuji said with a roguish air.

…

That night, the camp of Wei Wuji was ablaze with warmth; he and his soldiers merged as one.