MFMH C92

Chapter 92 — He Is Mine

Eighteen hundred barbarian cavalry had lured the enemy deep. All the barbarian generals were certain that this trap would win them an easy, overwhelming victory. But they waited and waited, until the sun was nearly setting, and still no one returned.

Something was very wrong.

The barbarian army’s commander, Sangbu Ganda, immediately sent men to gather news. The scouts came back pale as death.

“Reporting to Ganda, Suoqilong’s entire cavalry squad has been wiped out!” The scout himself could hardly believe his eyes, but the corpses scattered across the desolate steppe were indeed theirs.

What?! The barbarian generals all stared, faces full of disbelief.

“Other than about a hundred injured or crippled warhorses, all the rest were taken away by the Great Qi!” the scout continued bitterly. “And those brave riders who sacrificed themselves to the gods all died in terrible agony, as if tormented by some unspeakable force before death! From the traces, the enemy had barely over a thousand men, mostly infantry. How could they possibly slaughter our eighteen hundred cavalry?”

A loud crack resounded as a broad palm slammed onto the armrest. Sangbu Ganda’s face was dark with fury. “What sorcery did these Qi people use?”

Their great Ronggetu tribe did not have the swelling numbers of Great Qi, but their sons were born riders, valiant and fierce in battle. They could not, would not, be defeated by those weaklings of Qi! It had to be some sinister trick!

The other generals thought the same. After so many feints, they had finally extended a hoof, ready to trip Qi up badly — only to stumble themselves.

“We must get to the bottom of this,” Sangbu Ganda said grimly. Their people were few; every rider was a precious resource. To lose so many at once was something he could not explain to the royal court. Most troubling of all, for such an ominous event to happen right before their planned assault was a bad sign.

Some suggested sending another five hundred cavalry to test Qi’s forces and probe the truth. After some thought, Sangbu Ganda agreed. The royal encampment was already on its way; he had to ensure a smooth campaign to greet the great King Wuso.

…

The new recruits bringing back over a thousand fine warhorses made the entire army green with envy. Many veteran soldiers, while praising them, tried to pry out how they had managed to defeat such ferocious barbarian riders. The recruits had never received such adulation from old hands before. Though Gu Changfeng had warned them not to brag, some could not resist letting slip that they had tricked the riders with a mysterious powder. Pressed further, they could only describe it as a fiery red powder with an extremely pungent taste. Nothing more. Soon everyone knew that Gu Changfeng possessed a secret powder that could topple barbarian cavalry!

Word spread like wildfire, each retelling more exaggerated. Some claimed a single whiff would swell the face red and make the victim pant like a dog. Others swore that if the powder touched one’s eyes, it would blind them instantly. Still others whispered that ingesting it caused foaming at the mouth and certain death.

In truth, it was nothing more than chili powder. Some couldn’t stand it; others craved it.

“Shizi, why haven’t we seen Master Shen today?” General Wang of the Left Army stopped Gu Changfeng as he passed.

Gu’s brow furrowed slightly. “He went into town with Vice-Officer Liu for supplies. Did you need him for something?”

General Wang waved a hand. “Nothing urgent. I just wanted to ask if he had more chilies. The dishes made with it are extraordinary! Ever since I tried it, my stomach won’t rest easy without. Nothing else tastes satisfying anymore.”

Gu said evenly, “When he returns, I’ll ask him to send some to you.”

“That would be much appreciated!” General Wang beamed, then leaned closer to ask in a low voice, “I’ve heard Master Shen is not yet married. Does the Shizi know what kind of shuang’er he prefers?”

“…He does not like women.”

General Wang’s eyes lit up. He pressed eagerly, “Then what sort of shuang’er does he favor?”

Gu’s gaze flickered. “Taller. With a good figure.”

General Wang was delighted. “And temperament? What kind does he like?”

Gu lowered his eyes, thought for a moment, then said, “Obedient, not too talkative, but sincere. With a skill of his own, able to stand strong and independent.”

General Wang slapped his thigh in excitement. “Why, that describes my Ran’er perfectly! Tall and graceful, gentle in nature, strong in spirit, genuine and unpretentious, gifted in poetry and painting, and an excellent cook! Truly, this is fate!”

Gu froze, then his gaze turned icy. “What is General Wang implying? Master Shen already has someone in his heart. Even His Majesty knows of it. Do you mean to make your son a wrecker of another’s bond?”

General Wang stared in shock. “Master Shen already has someone?”

Gu’s tone was solemn. “Indeed. Their feelings are deeply bound. He has said clearly — if not him, he will marry no one.”

General Wang looked regretful, but unwilling to give up. “Men often have three wives and four concubines. With Shen’s bright future, taking one more wouldn’t matter.”

Gu’s voice dropped, hard as steel. “Master Shen would never be so fickle.”

“No, no,” Wang chuckled, shaking his head. “You just don’t understand men. A man’s mouth may say he loves one, but his arms may hold another. With beauty at his side, sweet softness in his bed, no man can resist.”

Gu’s fist clenched tight. His eyes were black as ink, thick and unyielding. “I may not understand men. But I trust him.”

Wang thought to himself that the two must be close friends indeed. Still, he felt such matters had nothing to do with integrity. He smiled and dropped the subject.

Gu had no desire to discuss Shen Yanbei with others. He saluted and left, taking the recruits for training.

That afternoon, Shen returned to camp. The autumn-winter season was perfect for nourishing foods, so he had gone with the purchasing officer to the nearby city of Pingcheng. He bought a grilling rack from a smith and a fat lamb to prepare a special meal for Gu.

“Is Master Shen here?”

A loud, booming voice suddenly rang outside. Shen paused, a brush of spice in hand as he coated a slab of golden-brown ribs with chili powder. On the brazier, skewers of lamb crackled. The deep chill of the frontier night pressed in, but he had been given a brazier by considerate officers — convenient for roasting meat.

The man outside called again. Shen set aside the ribs, wiped his hands, and stepped out of the tent.

A general in armor, his face naturally fierce, tried to arrange a kindly elder’s smile. But the forced grin looked stiff and grotesque, leaving Shen puzzled.

Had he offended him somehow?

“General Ma?”

“Hehe, Master Shen!” General Ma greeted warmly. “Are you well settled here?”

Shen smiled lightly. “Thanks for General’s concern. I’m quite comfortable.”

“That’s good, that’s good.” Ma studied him up and down, looking increasingly pleased. “Rare for a scholar to be so hardy. May I ask where you hail from?”

“From Dongjiang County, Qinghe Prefecture,” Shen replied politely, though he found the questioning odd.

“Qinghe? A fine place!” Ma mused, thinking of its wealth. Shen’s attire also showed he was not from poverty. He pressed on, “How many in your family? Any siblings?”

This was practically a census interrogation. Meat still sizzled inside — he needed to watch the fire. So Shen cut straight to the point: “General Ma, may I ask what business brings you here?”

Ma finally got to it. “Ah, nothing much. I just wondered what sort of women you like. You see, I have a daughter — lively and innocent, she most admires heroes such as yourself…”

Shen blinked, then gave an awkward smile. “I appreciate the honor, but I already have someone I care for.”

Ma laughed heartily, his jowls shaking. “What harm in three wives and four concubines? With your talents, no one would object if you wed more.”

Shen said nothing, smiling faintly. He had no need to argue with this man. He would show his loyalty with actions.

Seeing his silence, Ma pressed on shamelessly. “My daughter is truly lovely. Will you not at least consider her?”

Shen wanted to refuse outright. But he realized that until he formally married his beloved, such proposals would keep coming. So he smiled serenely: “Your daughter is indeed lovely. But the one I cherish is lovelier still. He is of noble birth, gentle and kind, a little shy. When I was destitute and gravely ill, he cared for me with patience and tenderness. I long to wed him, but alas, my status is low, my fortune modest…”

Ma’s smile slowly faded. Before him, the young man’s fists were clenched, lips pressed tight, eyes full of bitter longing — a love desired yet out of reach. Words of persuasion stuck in his throat.

Shen sighed softly, then smiled with warmth. “Though I cannot yet ask for his hand, simply to stay by his side, watching him, is enough.”

He inclined his head apologetically. “My heart is already given. I wish only to walk with him to life’s end. I dare not delay another’s happiness. Thank you for your kind regard.”

Ma had no choice but to answer, “Where there’s will, there’s a way. You’re young yet, and with His Majesty’s favor, your wish will come true.” Though disappointed, he couldn’t help but admire the youth.

“I’ll borrow your auspicious words.” Shen bowed gratefully.

“Work hard,” Ma said, clapping his shoulder before departing.

On the road, he spotted Gu approaching Shen’s tent. Soldiers saluted Gu as he passed. Ma’s steps faltered. A flash of realization struck him. Turning back, he saw Shen’s eyes, soft with warmth, fixed on Gu.

In an instant, he understood.

So the one the top scholar loved was the heir of the Duke of Zhen!

This… this was true love indeed.

His thoughts churned. Soon he ran into General Wang and decided to share.

But to his surprise, Wang said the same.

“Old Ma, I’ll tell you something. Master Shen already has someone. Even the emperor knows. Don’t waste your hopes.”

“Old Wang, let me tell you something. Master Shen is devoted to one man, and will marry no other. Best you give it up.”

The two froze, staring wide-eyed at each other.

“How do you know?” Wang demanded.

Ma snorted. “He told me himself! Do you know who it is?” He raised his brows. “It’s the Shizi.”

Wang gaped. After comparing notes, both sighed.

So Shen Yanbei loved his dear friend, the Duke’s heir, but dared not confess due to the gap in their stations. Unable to bear separation, he had come to the frontier to silently stay by his side. And the heir, knowing his friend had a sweetheart, never guessed that he himself was the one.

“Young people these days…” The two old generals shook their heads.

At that moment, Shen was enjoying roasted lamb with his beloved.

He confessed, “General Ma just came to me, wanting to introduce his daughter. I refused.”

Gu murmured softly, “This morning General Wang asked me what kind of person you liked. He said his son was tall, gentle in nature, strong of heart, sincere and unpretentious, skilled in poetry and cooking — a perfect match for you.”

Shen’s face froze. He stammered, “Changfeng, listen…”

Gu watched him silently, expression unreadable. Shen rubbed his nose awkwardly. “This won’t happen again.” He hadn’t dared repeat the fabricated tale, but once word spread, no one would dare mention such things before Gu again.

Gu lowered his gaze, turning the skewer in his hand. “Those generals have good eyes, knowing you’d make a fine husband.” Then he lifted his eyes, fixing him with a steady stare. “But no matter how fine, you are mine.”

Shen blinked, then buried his face in his hands.

Finished. Ever since his husband became a general, he radiated sheer dominance!

Outside, drums suddenly thundered. Shen swiftly removed the grill, poured a bowl of water over the coals to extinguish them.

The barbarians had sent another cavalry detachment to harass. Everyone clamored to fight, but Tai Qigang assigned the Left Army. Conveniently, a batch of crossbows had just been finished — time to test their might.

By nightfall, the Left Army returned victorious. Unfortunately, unlike the new recruits last time, they brought back no horses. Routed, the barbarian cavalry had fled with their mounts.

Hearing the report, Sangbu Ganda’s brow furrowed even deeper. So the Qi had gained a new weapon of terrifying power?

“Report!” A young soldier burst in, face flushed with excitement.

“Reporting to Ganda! The royal encampment… the royal encampment has arrived!”