Chapter 98: The Wei Army Sets Out Again

“Reporting to you, Young Master, His Majesty has issued orders for us to immediately march back to Wu’an City,” Wang Xiu replied.

“Back to Wu’an? Aren’t we supposed to reinforce Xiangping?” Wei Wuji asked in confusion. “Going back alone doesn’t seem right.”

“Young Master, over half of my troops have been casualties. We cannot sustain a prolonged battle and must return to regroup,” Wang Xiu explained.

Wei Wuji wasn’t ready to give up. “But Luán Hóng and Jiǎ Qí’s soldiers are still intact, aren’t they? Why can’t they continue the fight?”

The last great battle at Changping Pass, as described in the military reports, had filled him with awe and regret that he hadn’t witnessed it firsthand.

Now, with the Wei-Qi war raging, missing the chance to participate again would be a bitter disappointment for Wei Wuji.

“Young Master, His Majesty’s decree states that from today onwards, the two captains Luán and Jiǎ shall each return to their original garrisons and will no longer be under my command,” Wang Xiu said with a wry smile.

What? Wei Wuji was taken aback. They gave me the men, and now they want to take them back?

Was this some kind of trick? Wei Wuji felt a bitter pang deep inside.

Just moments ago, he had been proud of the strength of his forces, and now more than half of them were suddenly gone.

He nodded weakly before asking, “Oh… so Luán and Jiǎ return to their stations, and only we old brothers go back?”

“That’s right, Young Master. His Majesty has arranged everything,” Wang Xiu nodded.

Wei Wuji’s disappointment deepened. It seemed there was truly no hope of joining the great battle.

More importantly, he hadn’t had a chance to assert his presence before his father for a long time.

This was extremely disadvantageous. If that wretched Wei Chengze won the favor of the Marquis Wei Qing, then Wei Wuji would truly have no recourse.

Though he had decisively sidelined Wei Chengze before, he still kept him close.

This treatment showed that deep in the Marquis’s heart, Wei Chengze was highly regarded; otherwise, why would he keep him nearby for personal tutelage?

“Will Father be returning to Wu’an as well?” Wei Wuji asked.

If the Marquis accompanied them back, things would be much better for Wei Wuji.

As long as they were in the same city, he was confident he could fully assert his presence.

“His Majesty will personally lead an army of a hundred thousand straight to the Xiangping front, uniting with the city’s defenders to counter the Qi invasion.”

“And leave fifty thousand troops to defend Changping Pass?” Wei Wuji asked doubtfully. “Is that enough soldiers?”

“Fifty thousand is no small force, Young Master. It will suffice to repel any attacks,” Wang Xiu said confidently.

In his mind, the fifty thousand Wei troops were enough.

If they couldn’t hold the natural fortress of Changping Pass, the state of Wei would have no right to call itself a great power.

“Oh…” Wei Wuji was speechless. Who would have thought the arrangement would be like this?

Wang Xiu continued, “Moreover, the venerable General Wu will oversee Changping Pass, ensuring its security.”

It was none other than that old fellow Wu Mingyan. Wei Wuji’s mind flashed to the old man’s grim face in the Wei army’s camp.

Because of Wang Xian, Wei Wuji and Wu Mingyan also had some small grudges.

“What about General Xu?” Wei Wuji pressed on, feeling more favorably toward Xu Anhong.

“General Xu will also return to Wu’an City and will be responsible for soldier welfare and awarding military merits during this campaign,” Wang Xiu replied.

“Oh…” Wei Wuji nodded gently. He hadn’t expected his dear father to trust Xu Anhong so much, entrusting him with the important task of boosting morale and reputation.

This immediately set a strategy in Wei Wuji’s mind: he must cultivate a good relationship with Xu Anhong.

First, Wei Wuji already had a decent impression with Old Xu; second, Xu’s position was quite prestigious.

Most importantly, Xu had the Marquis’s trust. If Wei Wuji allied with him, it would certainly earn points with his father.

“In that case, we shall obey the imperial order,” Wei Wuji sighed after asking everything.

His father had arranged everything; all they could do was carry out their duties accordingly.

“What about the wounded soldiers? Have they recovered?” Wei Wuji asked.

These men had earned great merit defending Tielinyi, and Wei Wuji cared deeply for them.

“Except for those gravely injured, the rest are able to move freely, Young Master, no need to worry,” Wang Xiu answered frankly.

“Hm… only fifty or sixty gravely wounded. Sending them back home is no difficult task,” Wei Wuji relaxed.

If not for these men fighting to protect him, he could have died many times over.

“They are my benefactors. They must not be neglected,” Wei Wuji instructed.

“Understood,” Wang Xiu responded solemnly.

He too knew how important these wounded soldiers were to Wei Wuji.

Sometimes Wang Xiu wondered—while this young master rarely showed kindness to officers, he cared deeply for the common soldiers.

Reflecting on the journey, Wei Wuji had caused quite a stir over such matters. No wonder the troops adored him.

To them, he was a perfect young master, a perfect general, even a perfect brother.

Especially after the battle at Tielinyi, the camp’s admiration for Wei Wuji bordered on fanaticism.

No wonder the young master was beloved by the soldiers, Wang Xiu sighed, his thoughts drifting.

“Go at once and issue the orders to prepare the army. We march at dawn tomorrow,” Wei Wuji said after sipping his tea.

“I will arrange it immediately,” Wang Xiu bowed respectfully.

“Also, summon Luán Hóng and Jiǎ Qí. I have instructions for them,” Wei Wuji added.

Though they would no longer serve under him, they had established a subordinate relationship, so proper guidance was necessary.

“Yes!” Wang Xiu responded, understanding the importance.

After Wang Xiu left, Wei Wuji paced the room, thinking about how to face his mother upon return.

At that moment, Huan’er entered carrying a pot of hot tea and filled Wei Wuji’s cup.

“Young Master, are you leaving?” Her voice trembled with a hint of tears.

“Yes, why?” Wei Wuji nodded, puzzled.

“Are you going to abandon me?” Tears welled up in Huan’er’s eyes.

Relieved it was only this, Wei Wuji comforted her gently, “How could I ever abandon you, Huan’er?”

He then pulled her into his arms, softly patting her small hand.

“Thank you, Young Master…” Huan’er smiled through her tears and gave him a sweet kiss.

Wei Wuji was stunned—he had just been gently kissed!

Suppressing his mischievous thoughts, he held Huan’er close. “Huan’er, I need to ask you something.”

“What is it? What could a humble servant know?” Huan’er’s soft voice nearly melted him.

“In these days, who do you think is the kinder master—the Lord of the Li household or the Lord of the Chen household?”

Wei Wuji asked quietly.

Huan’er didn’t detect his deeper meaning and replied without hesitation, “Young Master, definitely the Lord of the Li household.”

“Why? The Chen household has also been very accommodating to us,” Wei Wuji said.

“You asked who is good, right? The Lord of the Li household rarely scolds or mistreats the servants, is kind to his tenants, and often gives charity. He is a good man,” Huan’er recited at length.

“Good, good… Ha ha,” Wei Wuji laughed.

“Then we’ll listen to Huan’er. Let the next magistrate of Tielinyi be the Lord of the Li household!” Wei Wuji said with a light chuckle.

“Ah?” Huan’er was dazed. Was he really taking her word for it?

“You said he’s a good man. So why not let him be the magistrate? What’s wrong with that?” Wei Wuji countered.

Her single word now determined the choice of a magistrate? Huan’er’s mind went blank.

She found it hard to believe the lofty magistrate would be decided so directly by a lowly servant’s opinion.

Looking at the man beside her, Huan’er once again felt the overwhelming power Wei Wuji wielded.

Because of this, she couldn’t help but feel hopeful for the life ahead.