Upon seeing no one disobey his orders, Qian Ye’s gaze fell upon Zhao Guanwei. With a light flick of the Eastern Peak, Zhao Guanwei was sent flying a hundred meters, landing heavily outside the camp gate, spewing several mouthfuls of blood.
Qian Ye paid no further attention to Zhao Guanwei and addressed the soldiers: “Fall in and assemble! Those who fail to arrive within the stipulated time will be punished according to military law.”
At his command, an officer took out a whistle and blew three short and one long blast with origin power. Instantly, the camp erupted with activity as soldiers poured out from every corner, rushing to the parade ground, forming two neat squads in no time. The sharpness of the Zhao clan’s private army was evident just from their assembly speed, much faster than the Empire’s main forces.
When all were assembled and lined up, Qian Ye merely nodded, pointed at a young soldier, and instructed him to lead him to the commanding general’s tent, leaving the two companies standing on the parade ground without any further orders.
Without orders from the commander, the soldiers had to remain on the parade ground, standing quietly according to military regulations, unable to move or go anywhere else.
As Qian Ye entered the main tent, it seemed he had completely forgotten the two companies of soldiers on the parade ground, giving no further instructions.
Hours passed, and the two companies of soldiers stood for nearly ten hours. Although the soldiers of the Zhao clan were far from exhaustion, they couldn’t help but feel restless and uneasy. They knew this was Qian Ye’s punishment for their earlier insubordination, and they might have to stand there until dawn.
Just then, several personal guards of Zhao Xuanji entered the camp and went straight into the main tent, informing Qian Ye: “The Duke of You has ordered you to present yourself immediately.”
Upon hearing this, Qian Ye put down the map in his hand, rose, and followed the guards. Moments later, he stood before Zhao Xuanji.
Zhao Xuanji, instead of handling military affairs as usual, was fussing with a set of intricate tea utensils. Seeing Qian Ye, he motioned for him to sit and placed a teacup before him. Zhao Xuanji then picked up his own cup and sipped delicately.
The tent was so quiet that even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard, filled only with the aroma of the steaming tea. The Duke of You did not speak, and Qian Ye remained silent, sitting quietly.
Zhao Xuanji took half an hour to finish his tea. He gently placed his cup down, looked at Qian Ye, and said, “Guanwei is a valiant general. He has been on the battlefield since his youth, spending over a decade on the Western Front, killing countless enemies and accumulating numerous merits. Many of the soldiers in the vanguard companies are veterans who have served under him. It’s normal for there to be conflicts between you, but why did you injure him so severely and expel him from the vanguard company?”
Qian Ye replied calmly, “If I had lost, I might not have fared any better. I would not be able to stay in the vanguard company either. Before a major battle, I detest those who seek trouble. Since he provoked me, I showed no mercy, regardless of who was behind him.”
Zhao Xuanji chuckled, “You don’t think it was me or Princess Yan, do you?”
Qian Ye responded, “If it were you or the Duke of Yan, you wouldn’t need such methods. Simply preventing me from leading troops would suffice.”
Caught off guard by Qian Ye’s straightforwardness, Zhao Xuanji paused, then smiled. Qian Ye continued, “I only wish to earn some military merit. I have no interest in knowing who was behind Zhao Guanwei.”
Zhao Xuanji pondered for a moment and said, “Very well, let this matter rest. I will remind the young ones in the Duke of Yan’s household. If they cause more trouble, it won’t be so simple. As for Guanwei, he may have some personal motives, but he never fails in matters of importance. This time, I believe it was due to some past sentiments.”
“Best if so,” Qian Ye said, his tone still neutral, neither angry nor grateful.
Zhao Xuanji said, “Currently, the clan’s younger generation is unaware of your identity. Seeing the preferential treatment you receive, even surpassing the heirs of the Three Dukes, it’s natural for them to harbor resentment. But ignorance has its benefits; it reduces unnecessary conflicts. However, Qian Ye, there is something I’ve always been curious about, and I hope you will answer honestly.”
“Please, Your Grace.”
Zhao Xuanji asked slowly, “What do you truly want from the Zhao clan?”
Instead of answering, Qian Ye asked, “Your Grace, what is the purpose of your question?”
Zhao Xuanji did not hide his intentions, “In the Zhao clan, we tailor our training to each individual, not just in secret arts and martial skills, but also in their development. This is to prevent them from going astray and to minimize internal conflicts. You missed the foundational stage, but with your talent and Jun Du’s regard, you will certainly have a place in the future of the Zhao clan. Therefore, what you seek will determine how we cultivate you.”
Hearing this, Qian Ye felt a stir in his heart. Zhao Xuanji’s sincerity was more genuine than simply piling up resources.
Zhao Xuanji took another sip of tea, allowing Qian Ye time to think, then said, “Our younger generation is full of talented individuals, but only Jun Du and you stand out. Rainy and the others are a step behind. In ten years, the Zhao clan will be in your hands. However, I must be frank; due to your background, the position of Clan Head will belong to Jun Du. But if you proceed smoothly, achieving an equivalent level of success as I have is possible.”
Qian Ye’s brow twitched slightly, “Honestly, I haven’t thought that far ahead. I’m not seeking power in the Zhao clan. For now, I only seek military merit.”
Zhao Xuanji raised his eyebrows in surprise, “Military merit? It seems you have your eyes on the Empire’s rewards. Whatever it is, feel free to say. There’s not much I can’t accomplish.”
Qian Ye smiled wryly, “That’s for the future and may not even happen. It’s too early to discuss it now.”
Seeing that Qian Ye was unwilling to elaborate, Zhao Xuanji did not press further. He nodded, “Very well, then manage as you see fit. If you have any ideas regarding the war, feel free to bring them forward. I will do my best to accommodate them.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Grace.”
Qian Ye bowed and took his leave.
From behind the curtain, a middle-aged man emerged. He was pale and unshaven, appearing somewhat weak. However, Zhao Xuanji treated him with great respect, rising to greet him, and asked, “Mr. Yan, what do you think of this young man?”
Mr. Yan deliberated, “This young man is calm and composed, even in your presence. His strength and character are formidable. He will not be confined to the pond. However, he seems to hold many secrets. We must be cautious until we fully understand him.”
Zhao Xuanji shook his head, “Not entirely. I see him as a man of deep sentiment and loyalty. He first fought for the Zhao clan out of friendship with Rainy. He has never sought status or power within the clan.”
Mr. Yan said, “Precisely because of this, his bond with the Zhao clan is weak. Blood ties have always been the source of loyalty.”
Zhao Xuanji sighed, “We cannot force it. Let us take it step by step. By the way, how is the situation over there?”
Mr. Yan looked ashamed, “I am ashamed. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to plant any spies there. My brother is more skilled in this area, and I have failed you, Your Grace.”
Zhao Xuanji smiled, “It’s fine. Mr. Yan, you have other talents. I will rely on you in many areas in the future.”
Mr. Yan, feeling both ashamed and moved, sighed, “My brother violated the ancestral teachings and joined the other side. I bear some responsibility. I hope he will come to his senses soon.”
Zhao Xuanji nodded, “Let us plan slowly. I believe he will return. Oh, by the way, how are the military strategies progressing?”
“They are almost ready. We need to coordinate a few details with General Baiqian. You can review them tomorrow morning.”
“Good, then you may go for now.”
After Mr. Yan left, Zhao Xuanji sat back at his desk, reading a document. He appeared focused on his work, but a faint voice was whispering in his ear.
“Your Grace, the security around Young Master Yan is extremely tight. They have doubled their protection. It’s impossible to find an opportunity to strike. I suspect someone within has leaked information.”
Zhao Xuanji, still reading, sent a thread of origin power in response, “Continue to investigate. Strike at the first opportunity. Ensure he is eliminated, no matter the cost!”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The origin power faded, and the camp fell silent as if nothing had happened.
Back at the vanguard camp, Qian Ye finally ordered the soldiers to disband and rest. Keeping the soldiers rested was crucial before the impending battle. The punishment was enough.
As Qian Ye gave the order, it was nearly midnight. Two visitors arrived at the vanguard camp. Most Zhao soldiers recognized them, and even some officers’ expressions changed.
One was a follower of Zhao Jundu, bringing a box containing several civilian clothes and special medicines. The other was Zhao Junhong himself, who came for no apparent reason, staying briefly in Qian Ye’s tent, drinking a cup of tea, and chatting idly before leaving.
Qian Ye knew their intentions and felt a warm glow, despite his wry smile. The Duke of You was also informed, and the guard who reported saw that Zhao Xuanji made no reaction and quietly left.
In the following days, the imperial camp became unusually quiet, with no new fleet reinforcements arriving.
The storm was coming.
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