Chapter 044 | A Life-and-Death Decision

Li Jing broke out in a cold sweat. The two men standing before his bed were arguing over how to kill him!

Lieutenant Xu said, "Brother Mao, I know this goes against our conscience, but we have our orders. We have no choice."

Mao Fu retorted sharply, "If the young master hadn't trusted me, how could he have fallen for your drugged soup? I have a history with him—I can't bring myself to cut off his head. At least let him die with his body intact!"

Li Jing's heart raced. Mao Fu was one of Han Qinhu's personal guards. How could he be involved in this plot to kill him? It seemed the mutton soup had been drugged. Fortunately, his stomach had rejected the meat, or he would already be dead. He steadied his nerves and waited to see how things would unfold.

Lieutenant Xu sneered, "Why the pretense? We've been given our orders. Let's just get it over with. No need for theatrics."

Mao Fu replied, "Fine. But since I have a history with him, and he's just a boy, I'll do it myself."

By now, Li Jing was fully alert and ready to defend himself. Mao Fu's martial skills were inferior to Han Chong's, and Li Jing's current abilities were on par with Han Chong's in his prime. Li Jing slightly opened his eyes and saw Mao Fu pull back the bed curtain, sword in hand, ready to strike. Just as Li Jing was about to dodge, he heard a cry of pain. Lieutenant Xu's sword had pierced Mao Fu from behind.

Without hesitation, Li Jing sprang into action. Before Lieutenant Xu could withdraw his sword from Mao Fu's body, Li Jing grabbed him by the throat. Mao Fu fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Lieutenant Xu, unable to breathe, struggled briefly before Li Jing crushed his windpipe. He collapsed, lifeless.

Li Jing helped Mao Fu up and looked into his eyes. Mao Fu's gaze seemed to convey a sense of relief. He smiled bitterly and said, "Young master, that man Xu was sent by He Ruobi. I failed you, and I failed the Grand Commander... I can't explain everything, but you must have guessed. If I didn't kill you, my wife and child would be in danger... This is for the best. At least I won't die with regrets. But young master, don't return to Luzhou..." With that, he coughed up a mouthful of blood and died.

Li Jing was horrified, staring at the two dead men. After a moment, he grabbed a sword and left the room. He found the innkeeper, servants, and other guests all dead, the ground soaked in blood. Fortunately, the horses were still in the stable. Without wasting time, he mounted one and galloped toward Luzhou in the pouring rain.

By dawn, Li Jing reached the woods outside Luzhou. He reined in his horse, his mind clearer now. The city walls loomed in the distance, but his heart was filled with uncertainty. Just then, he heard the sound of hoofbeats behind him. A tall, armored general approached. Li Jing recognized him immediately—it was his third uncle, Han Hong.

Han Hong, styled Shuming, was Han Qinhu's younger brother, thirty-five years old. He had once led troops to a great victory against Yuchi Jiong and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Gantang. After Yang Jian ascended the throne, he was promoted to Duke of Gantang, second only to Han Qinhu's title of Duke of Xinyi. Li Jing quickly dismounted and knelt, saying, "Nephew Jing pays his respects to Third Uncle."

Han Hong dismounted, helped Li Jing up, and examined him closely, tears welling in his eyes. "Third Nephew, you've suffered. Come, let's talk in the woods." They led their horses into the dense forest.

It turned out that after Han Chong's death, Han Qinhu had struggled to find capable officers. He had petitioned the Ministry of War to transfer Han Hong from the northern frontier to assist him in Luzhou. The request was approved by Yang Jian, and Han Hong had traveled south alone. He hadn't expected to run into his nephew outside Luzhou.

After hearing Li Jing's account, Han Hong stroked his short beard and frowned. "So the dozen or so deaths at the roadside inn were related to this. Mao Fu was right—you must not enter the Luzhou military camp, or your uncle won't be able to protect you. It seems that Lieutenant Xu was sent by He Ruobi, and Mao Fu was coerced by the Prince of Jin. Third Nephew, how did you offend the Prince of Jin?"

Li Jing hesitated, unsure how to explain. The situation was too complicated to summarize briefly. But since Han Hong was family, he couldn't hide the truth. He gave a concise account. After listening, Han Hong sighed. "Third Nephew, you've stumbled into a mess with no easy way out. Your previous charges haven't been cleared... Forget that. Just the dozen lives at the inn are enough to condemn you."

Li Jing protested, "But I only killed Lieutenant Xu in self-defense. The others weren't my doing."

Han Hong shook his head. "You were the only one who escaped the inn. With no witnesses, how can you prove your innocence?"

Li Jing said, "Third Uncle, you can testify for me."

Han Hong replied, "The 'Kaihuang Code' explicitly states that relatives cannot serve as witnesses in criminal cases. Besides, with over a dozen people dead and only you alive, no one will believe your story. If this case goes to trial, even if it reaches the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court, the presiding officials will conclude that two military officers were escorting you back to Luzhou when you killed them and massacred the inn."

Li Jing was frantic. "But Mao and Xu were trying to kill me! They slaughtered the inn to eliminate witnesses..."

Han Hong shook his head. "Third Nephew, some things in this world can be explained, and some cannot. The Prince of Jin is a master schemer. Your father was dismissed because of him, and even your uncle, me, your second uncle, and Duan'er will likely fall under his control. First, the Prince of Jin's consort has a history with you. Second, the survival of Little Tiangang is directly linked to you. If you return to your uncle's side now, how can he protect you? He might even lose his position as Commander of Luzhou."

Li Jing stood frozen, unsure what to do.

Han Hong continued, "The authorities will investigate today, and once the arrest warrant is issued, there will be no place for you in the Great Sui. In my opinion, you should flee south and lay low. When the time is right, your uncle and I will plead your case before the Emperor. If we succeed in conquering Chen and unifying the empire, the Emperor will likely issue a general amnesty, and your crimes may be pardoned." With that, he took out a few pieces of gold and stuffed them into Li Jing's pocket.

After a year of hardship, Li Jing had grown stronger. He bowed to Han Hong, mounted his horse, and rode south.

When Han Hong arrived at the Luzhou Commandery headquarters and told his brother about Li Jing's ordeal, Han Qinhu said, "Don't worry too much, Shuming. As the saying goes, 'Good fortune favors the virtuous.' Jing's trials are an opportunity for growth. Your arrival is timely. Right now, the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin are both trying to place their people in the army. You will serve as the Commandery's Chief Clerk and help me train the troops and achieve merit."

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When Li Jing reached the ferry crossing at Nanchao, he waited for a long time but saw no southbound boats. The sky was overcast after the rain, and the surroundings were desolate. The vast waters of Nanchao stretched before him, and the cries of crows echoed mournfully. Sitting on his horse, he felt an overwhelming longing for his mother. Only after being apart for so long did he truly appreciate her love. In all the world, who else would care for him like a mother?

As he pondered, a fast boat appeared on the lake. The boat, with its sails fully unfurled, moved as swiftly as a galloping horse and soon reached the ferry. Just as Li Jing was about to take a closer look, a tall figure leaped from the boat. It was Lai Hu'er.

Lai Hu'er was dressed in black, without armor. Seeing Li Jing, he didn't say a word but reached out to grab Li Jing's right leg, trying to pull him off his horse. Li Jing instinctively struck out with his palm, but Lai Hu'er changed his grip and seized Li Jing's calf instead. Li Jing drew his Lone Star Sword and slashed downward. Lai Hu'er made a sound of surprise and let go, flicking his finger. With a "ding," Li Jing felt his hand go numb, and the Lone Star Sword flew from his grasp. But he also leaped into the air and landed firmly on the ground.

Lai Hu'er laughed heartily. "Brother Li, your skills have improved!"

Seeing Lai Hu'er's smile, Li Jing picked up his sword and bowed. "This humble one pays his respects to General Lai. Lieutenant Xu..."

Lai Hu'er waved his hand. "Lieutenant Xu acted on my orders. Now that I'm here in person, if I can't capture you, how can I fulfill my duty?"

Li Jing suddenly understood that as long as Yang Guang wanted him captured, there was no escape. He bowed and said, "Even if I trained for thirty more years, I wouldn't be a match for General Lai. Please, General, do what you must." He extended his hands, allowing Lai Hu'er to bind him.

Lai Hu'er took his sword, tied him with a cowhide rope, and lifted him like a chicken. He carried Li Jing onto the boat and ordered his soldiers to set sail.

Once inside the cabin, Lai Hu'er closed the door, untied the rope, and handed Li Jing a waterskin and some dried beef. Li Jing, hungry and thirsty, thought that since he couldn't escape Lai Hu'er's grasp, he might as well eat and drink his fill.

After entering the cabin, Lai Hu'er didn't speak but closed his eyes to rest. The boat sped across the lake, and soon Lai Hu'er was snoring loudly, leaning against the cabin wall. Li Jing called out a few times, but there was no response. Lai Hu'er simply turned over, his snores harmonizing with the rocking of the boat.

After finishing the dried beef, Li Jing reached for his Lone Star Sword and quietly drew it. He knew Lai Hu'er was a formidable fighter, but with his back turned and deep in sleep, even the strongest warrior would struggle to evade a sudden strike. After much hesitation, he couldn't bring himself to do it and gently sheathed the sword.

Half an hour later, Lai Hu'er woke up and asked, "Why didn't you strike earlier?"

Li Jing was startled. "Even if I had, I wouldn't have been able to harm you."

Lai Hu'er shook his head. "If you had struck with all your strength, even if I were prepared, in such a confined space, with a divine weapon like your sword, I would have been severely injured, if not killed. You could have escaped. But your hesitation cost you the opportunity. On a real battlefield, such indecision would cost you your life."

Li Jing looked bewildered.

Lai Hu'er continued, "Perhaps you have some fondness for me, or perhaps you thought I might save you. But whether in martial arts or on the battlefield, decisiveness is paramount. Back in Luzhou, it wasn't that Nie Yunfeng was unbeatable—I let you escape on purpose. Now that the Prince of Jin and He Ruobi have ordered me to capture you, I can't think of a way to help you."

Li Jing extended his hands again. "In that case, please bind me, General."

Lai Hu'er tied Li Jing with the cowhide rope and ordered the soldiers to proceed at full speed. The boat passed Ruxukou and sailed down the river. Li Jing knew further words were useless and resigned himself to fate.

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He Ruobi was stationed in Guangling (modern-day Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province) and had been the Commander of Wuzhou for three years. Li Jing had assumed that after being captured by Lai Hu'er and brought to Guangling, he would either be executed or thrown into prison. To his surprise, Lai Hu'er took him directly to the training hall in the Commander's residence.

It was already night. He Ruobi's training hall was less imposing than Han Qinhu's headquarters in Luzhou, even somewhat shabby. Only two large candles illuminated the room, casting a dim light. After Lai Hu'er paid his respects and left, He Ruobi gestured for Li Jing to come closer. "Li Sanlang, step forward. Let me have a look at you."

Li Jing approached and saw that He Ruobi was in his forties, dressed in casual attire, seated behind a desk. He had a fair complexion, a long beard, phoenix eyes, and silkworm-shaped eyebrows. He looked more like a scholarly Han literatus than a Xianbei warrior. Li Jing bowed and said, "This humble one, Li Jing, pays his respects to Commander He Ruobi."

He Ruobi accepted the greeting. "I've never gotten along with your uncle, Commander Han, but I had a good relationship with your father, Lord Li. You're like a nephew to me. However, you've committed serious crimes, and your life is in danger."

Li Jing replied, "If the Commander wishes to punish me, I have nothing to say."

He Ruobi nodded. "Good! You're young but have some backbone. Do you know why the court ordered General Lai to bring you to Guangling instead of Luzhou?"

Li Jing said, "My uncle is the Commander of Luzhou. He would do everything to protect me."

He Ruobi shook his head. "Li Sanlang, you only see part of the picture. It's not that I want to capture you—I'm just following orders. Our Emperor is wise and perceptive. If I don't explain this to you, you might feel wronged. Perhaps you think you're innocent, that your relationship with Commander Han is like father and son, and that the Emperor knows this. Earlier, the Emperor summoned Commander Han to the capital and ordered me to temporarily take charge of military affairs in Luzhou. Then he pardoned Commander Han. The northern regions rely heavily on the troops in Wu and Luzhou for the campaign against Chen. A wise ruler would never entrust such power to a single person. Even if your uncle were guilty, he couldn't be easily replaced. And if you, a serious criminal, were pardoned, wouldn't that make a mockery of the law? Even if Commander Han wanted to protect you, how could he? As the saying goes, 'The prince and the commoner are equal before the law.' Did you think hiding on Mount Sikong would save you? That's why General Lai had to bring you here."

Li Jing realized that escaping punishment would be difficult, but he hadn't expected the Emperor to be aware of the situation. He had thought it was just a matter of offending the Prince of Jin.

Seeing Li Jing's silence, He Ruobi said gravely, "Perhaps you think you can escape by fleeing into the wilderness or abroad. But Chen will soon be conquered, and there will be no place in the empire where you can hide. Even temples and monasteries can be searched by local authorities within days if the court orders it. Moreover, your father has been dismissed, and your brother is serving in the northern army. If the Emperor becomes enraged, your family could suffer dire consequences. How could you live with that?"

Li Jing's heart ached, but he remained composed. He Ruobi sighed. "Li Sanlang, you're mature beyond your years. I have two sons, Huaikuo and Huailiang, about your age, but they don't have half your talent. I'm telling you this because I want you to understand: there is a way out, but it depends on whether you're willing to serve the country and bring honor to your family. Your crimes are beyond the authority of your uncle or me to pardon. Only one person in the empire has that power—the Emperor."

Li Jing caught the underlying message and immediately clasped his hands. "Commander, if you have any tasks for me, I will obey."

He Ruobi waved his hand. "We all serve the country, not me personally. Do you know about the ancient Mohist school?" He then explained the background and continued, "To conquer the false Chen and bring stability to the empire, we need all the help we can get. Right now, we have the 'Wang Family Ship Manual,' and your uncle possesses your family's 'Secret Manual of Offense.' But the 'Secret Manual of Tunnel Warfare' is missing. This manual is crucial—without it, taking a fortress like Jiankang would cost us many lives. If you can find this manual and present it to the court, you may not receive a promotion, but it will be more than enough to atone for your crimes."

Li Jing's mind cleared: they wanted him to find this ancient manual to redeem himself! He was deeply reluctant. Not only was the manual's whereabouts unknown—even someone as powerful and well-connected as Changsun Sheng hadn't found it—but the fact that He Ruobi had sent someone to assassinate him at the inn still weighed heavily on his mind. He said firmly, "If the Commander has such a task for me, why did you order Lieutenant Xu to kill me?"

He Ruobi didn't answer.

Just then, a voice came from behind He Ruobi. "If Young Master Li can't even handle such a small challenge, then finding the manual is beyond your capabilities."

The voice was familiar, but Li Jing couldn't place it. As he wondered, a figure slowly emerged from the shadows.

Li Jing looked closely and saw that it was Changsun Sheng.