Chapter 55: Daily Arrangements

The next morning, Wei Wujie rose early, having enjoyed a rare, peaceful night’s sleep. The memory of last night’s events made him chuckle inwardly.

After Wei Wujie lay down, Huan'er, his attendant, unexpectedly began to undress in front of him, startling him greatly. Only after much questioning did he manage to coax the truth out of her: she and the others were meant as gifts to please the honored guests of the household. If Wei Wujie refused her, she would have no way to explain herself. After much persuasion, he managed to send her away. Flirting was one thing, but he could never bring himself to truly ruin her innocence.

"General, you’re awake!" As soon as he stretched, Huan'er entered from outside.

"Huan'er, call me 'Young Master' from now on," Wei Wujie teased.

Huan'er naturally obeyed, "Yes!"

Without Zheng Dali’s noisy presence beside him, Wei Wujie felt the whole world was much quieter. He mused privately that working with women made everything easier.

But happiness was often interrupted suddenly.

"Young Master…" A rough voice sounded, making Wei Wujie’s ears ache. Within seconds, Zheng Dali burst in, his scarred face trembling with anger, making him appear even fiercer.

Seeing this menacing figure, Huan'er shrank behind Wei Wujie in fright, her hands instinctively clutching his sleeve.

Wei Wujie, seeing his little beauty frightened, immediately shot Zheng Dali a cold glare.

"What’s with all the shouting?" he scolded, placing a reassuring hand on Huan'er's shoulder.

Zheng Dali, recognizing Wei Wujie’s intent to impress the girl, simply carried out his duty. "Young Master, the generals are waiting for you!"

Damn it, Wei Wujie cursed inwardly. Didn’t they just have a meeting yesterday? Why another today? He might act brotherly and amiable at the wine table, but if it interfered with his pursuit of women, even the best of friends would be annoyed.

"What are they waiting for me for?" Wei Wujie asked, somewhat irritated.

Zheng Dali replied, "It seems they want you to decide who will meet the supply convoy."

Wei Wujie slapped his forehead—he had forgotten his main task. Why had Marquis Wei brought him here? Not to enjoy the scenery or chase after women. The safety of supplies for tens of thousands was paramount.

If anything went wrong, it would be a disaster. He might end up like Chen Qian, disgraced.

"Let’s go!" After dressing, Wei Wujie beckoned Zheng Dali.

When Wei Wujie entered the hall, the officers were already waiting. Seeing him, they all stood and saluted.

Wei Wujie took the seat of honor, signaled them to sit, and then said, "Well, what’s today’s agenda?"

His words hardly inspired confidence that he was the leader of this army, yet he shamelessly spoke as if it had nothing to do with him.

Wang Xian smiled wryly and replied, "Young Master, this morning a messenger arrived with orders: the situation at the front is urgent. We must ensure the safety of the supplies and deliver them to the central camp on time."

"What? The situation at the front is urgent?" Wei Wujie worried he’d misheard. Before leaving, everything had seemed fine, and the generals had said that the conflict between Qin and Wei would drag on for a while.

Wang Xiu explained, "Young Master, the day after we left, the Qin forces provoked us by opening their camp. In my opinion, they can’t afford to wait—they want a decisive battle!"

Ah, so that’s it! Wei Wujie nodded, recalling the generals had mentioned things weren’t easy on the Qin side either.

Lucky I ran fast, he thought. Otherwise, I’d be cannon fodder now.

Watching Wang Xiu analyze the situation so clearly, Wei Wujie was pleased—a strategist was truly invaluable.

"So, where are we to transport the supplies?" Wei Wujie asked.

Wang Xiu answered, "Young Master, we’re not to transport them ourselves; we’re to meet the supply convoy."

Ah, so that’s it! That’s simple enough, though it meant saying goodbye to the pleasant life here—especially to Huan'er whom he was reluctant to leave.

Wei Wujie declared resolutely, "Very well! Prepare at once, the entire army will set out!"

What? The officers looked at each other in surprise, wondering if they’d misheard.

Wang Xiu managed a bitter smile, "Young Master, there’s no need for so many. Sending three to five hundred men is sufficient."

"Not the whole force?" Wei Wujie asked in a lowered voice.

Wang Xiu replied, "No need for everyone. The convoy already has a cavalry unit escorting it. Our main task is to secure Tie Linyi and its surroundings, to prevent any trouble."

Ah, so that’s it! No need to leave Tie Linyi—Wei Wujie breathed a sigh of relief. Indeed, he was lacking in ambition these days.

"Then send two battalions of cavalry," Wei Wujie ordered.

The officers responded in unison.

"Young Master, who will command this mission?" Wang Xiu asked.

Commander? Yes, someone needed to lead the team. Wei Wujie glanced over the officers, considering candidates.

Wang Xiu was ruled out first; Wei Wujie relied on him for planning. Liu Xuanba was also excluded; Wei Wujie trusted him with the defense of Tie Linyi. Zheng Dali? Forget it—his priority was protecting Wei Wujie.

That left two captains and two sergeants.

"Captain Zhang, Captain Zhou, which of you will go?" Wei Wujie asked.

"We are both willing!" The two replied in unison, eager for the chance—this was an opportunity for military merit.

"Then Captain Zhou will go," Wei Wujie decided casually, preferring to resolve matters quickly to avoid internal discord.

Still, he offered some consolation, "Captain Zhang, the defense of Tie Linyi is equally important. Please give it your full attention."

"As you command!" Both replied, accepting the arrangement without complaint.

Wei Wujie assumed a serious tone, "Very well, now that matters are settled, go and carry out your duties!"

The officers all stood, saluted, and departed.

"Go on, go on!" Wei Wujie waved them off—he had other things to attend to.

Amidst the clash of armor, the officers disappeared down the corridor.

In that moment, Wei Wujie felt as if he were presiding over court. This was his own hall of governance! He raised his head and surveyed the hall, feeling a strange sense of pride.

"Young Master, what should we do next?" Zheng Dali asked.

What next? What else could he do? Wei Wujie replied gruffly, "I haven’t even had breakfast!"

"Hurry up. Tell Huan'er to bring my breakfast here. And mind you, you frightened her!" Wei Wujie said, swatting at Zheng Dali like an annoying fly.

Soon, everything Wei Wujie requested arrived, but he could still see fear on Huan'er's face. This Zheng Dali truly had no sense of how to treat a delicate woman—he’d surely have trouble finding a wife, Wei Wujie thought disdainfully.

Then, content, he ate with his little beauty, occasionally letting his hand wander, savoring the pleasures of life.

For the next two days, Wei Wujie lived just so—almost forgetting he was still an infantry commander.

Until Zhou Changyun returned to Tie Linyi with his team.