Chapter 77: A Leisurely Half-day in This Fleeting Life

Tielin City—five days had passed since the last great battle.

Standing atop the city walls, Wei Wuji’s heart only truly settled when he saw the last wagon of provisions safely cross the border. In these days, though the Qin army had ceased their assaults, he had not dared to relax his vigilance. Now, with all the supplies finally delivered and his task accomplished, he felt every ounce of tension dissolve.

“Pass down my orders: tonight, we hold a grand banquet to honor the soldiers who have toiled these past days!” Wei Wuji commanded Wang Xiu, who stood at his side.

Startled by this unexpected directive, Wang Xiu hesitated. “My lord, with our current resources, how can we possibly host a grand banquet?” He had no choice but to ask; now that the crisis had passed, was the young master reverting to his old, carefree ways?

A grand banquet—under these conditions, it would be hard enough to serve everyone an extra slice of meat, Wang Xiu thought to himself.

“Ah…” Wei Wuji realized this as well. “In that case, let the officers of the rank of Junhou and above come to the Gu residence for the feast. We may not be able to provide for the entire army, but we can at least honor the officers.”

“As you wish, I will notify them at once,” Wang Xiu replied, bowing and preparing to leave.

“Wait!” Wei Wuji stopped him again. “Invite Luan Hong and Jia Qi, along with their subordinates. Most of the supplies these days were protected by those two; it would be remiss not to include them.”

Wang Xiu almost rolled his eyes. Did that really need to be said? Without those two, the supplies would never have made it. Nevertheless, he replied, “Understood, my lord.”

“Go on, go,” Wei Wuji waved, a smile lighting his face.

How delightful these easy days are, he thought, gazing into the distance. At this moment, he felt as if he could soar into the skies—a mood best described as ‘the sky is vast, and a man may fly free as a bird’.

“Dali!” he called.

“Yes, my lord!”

“Have those in the Gu residence prepare at once. If anything delays my banquet, they need not keep their lives.”

“At once, I will have them informed,” Zheng Dali replied promptly.

With everything arranged, Wei Wuji found himself with nothing to do. Though he was at ease, a restless heat began to stir within him, as though he had forgotten some vital task, leaving him anxious and unsettled.

“People truly are difficult to please,” he muttered, shaking his head.

“Would a ride in the wind ease my spirits?” he asked himself.

Ignoring the aches in his body, he set out, of course bringing his guards with him.

The sky was vast, the plains endless… or so it seemed.

The summer heat, countered by the rush of wind on horseback, truly did soothe his restlessness. After being pent up so long, this moment of release felt all the more precious.

So the day passed into dusk.

At last, this damned stretch of time is behind me, Wei Wuji spat, his intent achieved.

Re-entering Tielin City, Wei Wuji soon arrived at the Gu residence, swaggering in under the protection of his guards. Having slain the family and now occupying their home, he felt not the least bit of shame.

In the familiar courtyard, the officers had long been waiting, gathered in small groups, laughing and talking animatedly.

“The young master is here!” Zheng Dali, sharp-eyed, was first to notice and called out.

The courtyard, previously noisy, fell instantly silent. After a brief pause, the officers dropped to their knees in unison. “Your servants greet you, my lord!”

Seeing these sturdy, well-armored officers prostrating before him, Wei Wuji’s heart swelled with satisfaction. This, too, was one of his reasons for insisting on the banquet—it was not simply for celebration.

Standing by the gate, he surveyed the assembly before speaking. “Rise, all of you.”

Such was the privilege of being the Marquis of Wei’s son—wherever he went, all bowed before him. In a contest of birth, none could surpass him.

He entered the main hall and took the seat of honor, followed by captains and lieutenants. “Be seated, everyone,” he said, gesturing with both hands, his demeanor composed and magnanimous.

With that, the officers took their seats.

Soon, servants from the Gu residence began to bring in food and wine. To manage this celebration, Zheng Dali had borrowed hands from other merchants; the Gu household alone could not have supplied so much in these trying times.

When the banquet was laid out, the maids quietly withdrew—this was no place for women.

Lifting his cup, Wei Wuji smiled. “Gentlemen, the great task is done. Let us drink this cup to the full.”

The officers raised their cups in salute, then drained them in a single draught.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk…” Wei Wuji savored the bittersweet taste of the wine—tonight, it tasted especially fine.

Filling his cup once more, he continued, “This victory belongs to you all. Allow me to toast you again.”

None dared accept a toast from a scion of the House of Wei unceremoniously; at once, all stood.

Wang Xiu, as adjutant and the ranking officer here, looked around and declared, “Our contributions are nothing worth mentioning. My lord, you risked your life, sword in hand, fighting the Qin on the front lines. We are ashamed by comparison!”

The others echoed, “My lord’s valor is unmatched; we cannot compare!”

Wei Wuji, delighted by the flattery, felt his esteem for Wang Xiu rise even higher. Such a capable and perceptive subordinate was truly rare.

“Everyone has played their part,” Wei Wuji replied with modesty. “Come, let us drink together.”

He understood well that glory was best shared.

The mood grew ever more lively—just as a celebration ought to be.

“Enough, I won’t keep you from enjoying yourselves. Make yourselves at home, no need for ceremony,” Wei Wuji said, setting down his cup.

The atmosphere relaxed further, and those who’d been deep in conversation resumed their lively discussions. As the wine flowed, the bonds between these hardened men grew stronger.

“Captain Luan, Captain Jia!” Wei Wuji called to the two officers at the lower end of the table.

“My lord!” The two straightened, awaiting his words.

Wei Wuji waved his hand, bidding them be at ease. “Thank you both for your tireless efforts in coming to our aid.”

“My lord flatters us. We owe all to Great Wei and the trust of our sovereign; it is our duty to give our all for the king,” Luan Hong replied solemnly.

Jia Qi also bowed. “My lord, hearing of your fierce battle with the Qin filled us with anxiety.”

“Good! Then, let us drink to this victory,” Wei Wuji said, raising his cup in excitement.

“After you, my lord!”

Only after Wei Wuji had finished his cup did the two officers follow suit.

“My lord, your courage in battle inspires even an old soldier like me. Let me toast you as well,” Liu Xuanba stood, eager to seize the opportunity for praise.

Nothing pleased Wei Wuji more than being called a true man—one who dared cut down a Qin soldier with his own hand. It had not been easy for him, and such words struck straight to his heart.

He raised his cup to Liu Xuanba and drank.

The flattery and toasts came one after another. After all, he was not only a hero of the hour but also the likely future Marquis of Wei; all were eager to curry favor.

Naturally, Wei Wuji soon found himself well plied with wine.