Chapter 63: A Shocking Conspiracy

At this moment, Gu Mu’s greatest concern was finally resolved, and the furrow between his brows smoothed. Since fate had already decreed the outcome, there was no need to worry further (nonsense—he was simply driven to utter despair). Having given up resistance, Gu Mu saw Wei Wuji get straight to the point: “What exactly is your conspiracy?”

Instead of answering, Gu Mu asked something else. “My lord, has your Wei state recently had a minor victory over the Qin army at the frontier?”

Wei Wuji, unable to grasp Gu Mu’s intent, nodded subconsciously.

Gu Mu continued, “The Qin army retreated, and your Wei army advanced its defensive line by over a hundred li, is that correct?”

Wei Wuji nodded again.

“That’s it. A hundred li is no short distance. The supply wagons now take three full days to reach the front!” Gu Mu’s words seemed to have no end, making Wei Wuji all the more confused.

“You Wei people have a habit—or rather, a tradition—that when your army has fifteen days’ worth of supplies left, only then do you dispatch the next batch.” Gu Mu spoke as if reciting from memory, entirely absorbed in his own train of thought.

Damn it, Wei Wuji felt a strong urge to strike him, but he could only think about it. If he angered Gu Mu into silence, he would have nowhere to weep.

So for now, Wei Wuji could only listen obediently.

“And our goal is precisely those military supplies!” At last, Gu Mu reached the critical point.

Wei Wuji couldn’t hold back any longer and pressed, “You intend to seize those supplies?”

Gu Mu still didn’t answer directly. He was, after all, a man as good as dead, and his actions no longer followed the norms of the living.

He shifted his position, trying to make himself more comfortable while kneeling. After fidgeting for a while, he finally continued, “Three days ago, when your army had fifteen days’ rations left, as per your custom, our plan was set into motion.”

Damn it, Wei Wuji cursed inwardly. Just get to the point! My time is precious, but you’re a dead man with nothing to fear, while I’m terrified out of my wits.

Gu Mu ignored Wei Wuji’s anxious glare and went on in his unhurried manner, “My lord, do you know the real purpose of that ten-thousand-strong Chen cavalry?”

Why bring that up? What does Chen’s previous attack have to do with this?

Gu Mu’s voice was like a gentle forest breeze, carrying his explanation along. “That Chen cavalry circumvented Changping Pass, aiming to strike at the Wei army’s rear. Their true purpose was to serve as a diversion for our next move.”

“Thus, whether their surprise attack succeeded or not, it would draw your attention to the front.”

At this, Wei Wuji found it odd—how could a mere local landlord know so much?

This was no trivial matter; it concerned the survival of two great states. How could he possibly know all this with such clarity?

Eyes full of suspicion, Wei Wuji scrutinized Gu Mu. “How could a mere merchant like you know all these details?”

This time, Gu Mu didn’t ignore him. He smiled and replied, “We were originally tasked with passing on intelligence, so of course we’re well informed. Only your arrival altered our mission.”

Wei Wuji asked, “Then what is your mission now?”

Gu Mu once again dodged, speaking in a roundabout way. “My lord, do you know why I took the initiative to approach you and invite you to stay at my residence?”

Hold it in… Wei Wuji gritted his teeth. If Gu Mu hadn’t yet confessed everything, Wei Wuji would have had him dragged out and executed already.

Gu Mu seemed not to notice his fury and continued as before, “No matter who came, as long as it was the Commandant of Tielin City, that person was our target—because he posed a threat to the plan. Our aim was to kill the Commandant!”

At this, Gu Mu glanced enviously at Wei Wuji. “My lord, we had it all arranged—we would strike at you tomorrow. Alas, heaven did not favor our wishes!”

Hearing this, Wei Wuji drew a sharp breath. He had just skirted the gates of hell.

If not for his desire to practice martial arts after overeating tonight, he would never have discovered Gu Yuyan, nor uprooted the entire Gu household.

Now Gu Mu, with a hint of nostalgia, said to Wei Wuji, “Had we killed you, our plan would have been even more secure!”

Wei Wuji finally lost patience and roared, “What is your plan, exactly?”

On the side, Liu Xuanba, who’d been listening in confusion, could stand it no longer and reached for his sword—this old man was simply too long-winded.

Wei Wuji immediately stopped him. “Master Liu, put your weapon away!”

And another thing I forgot to mention—it is not yet time to kill Gu Mu.

Compelled by Wei Wuji’s order, Liu Xuanba withdrew, muttering all the while.

Gu Mu remained unfazed, his demeanor calm and unhurried. “The batch of supplies that passed through today was only a small portion. Our real target is the batch passing Tielin City in three days—that is the main force!”

At this, a rare trace of pride appeared on Gu Mu’s face as he continued, “If we destroy that shipment, the Wei army’s supplies will last less than half a month. Even if you send urgent requests to all commanderies, it will be difficult to replenish within that time. Your defeat will be certain.”

As he spoke, Gu Mu couldn’t help but show a bit of glee, as if things had already gone exactly as he’d planned.

Wei Wuji’s face darkened. Now that Gu Mu had revealed everything, the urgency of the situation was plain; they must act at once.

Otherwise, a catastrophe would ensue—not only would Wei suffer grave losses, but he himself would be flayed alive.

Gu Mu went on, “Originally, if your supplies were insufficient, you could still choose to retreat. But now, you’ve advanced nearly a hundred li. Not only have you stretched your supply lines, but you’ve also cut off your own retreat!”

“Why?” Wei Wuji asked, perplexed.

“The Wei camp’s advance of a hundred li has already crossed the Ling River. Now, behind them, the Ling River blocks their way, and in front, the Qin forces watch like tigers. How can they possibly retreat?”

Gu Mu spoke with a sigh, as if lamenting the countless families who would be torn apart by this turn of events.

Yet, thinking of his own fate, he could not sigh for others—his own tragedy seemed far greater. He would face the true extermination of his entire family.

“The grain convoys are escorted by a cavalry Commandant. What makes you capable of threatening those supplies?” Wei Wuji asked, fixing his gaze on Gu Mu’s face.

Gu Mu nodded and answered, “A good question, my lord. But we do indeed have the means.”

He explained further, “Half a month ago, the Qin began infiltrating this region. By now, there must be several thousand of them.”

That’s a formidable force, Wei Wuji thought. “Where are they hidden?” he asked.

Gu Mu smiled. “They’re scattered in the villages around Tielin City. Each village has their people, just waiting for my signal. Once I finish my part, they’ll assemble.”

A brilliant scheme, Wei Wuji had to admit—the mastermind behind this plan was truly formidable, step after step executed flawlessly.

“Then, do you know the exact locations of their hideouts?” Wei Wuji tested.

Gu Mu replied without hesitation, “I do.”

Wei Wuji’s face lit up with joy. “Manager Gu, then write it down!”

But Gu Mu did not move. He looked up again, fixing his gaze on Wei Wuji. “My lord, will you truly spare those two children?”

“When Wei Wuji gives his word, it is as unchangeable as driving a team of four horses!” Wei Wuji declared firmly.

Fearing Gu Mu might still harbor doubts, he added, “However… I will have them change their surname and be raised in a common family.”

Hearing this arrangement, Gu Mu finally felt at ease.

“Then I am content.”

With that, Gu Mu picked up brush and paper and began copying down all he knew.

A list that would decide the fate of many, weighing on the lives of two great nations, was about to be written.