Dawn

"No wonder General Kong is so nice to you, you're from his personal guard."

Luo Yu instantly understood. The city was divided into three factions, seemingly harmonious on the surface but full of intrigue behind the scenes. To Kong Xian, Xiao Shaoyou, who came from his personal guard, was naturally someone to be trusted and promoted.

"That's right. Not many people know this connection, but the Jun and Li families are aware. That's why they won't try to recruit me, but it's different with you."

Xiao Shaoyou took another big bite of the steamed bun, his mouth full of juice:

"In Yunyang Pass, military power is king. The stronger your troops, the more weight your words carry.

Today, Li Chengxiao tried to recruit you, but I stopped him. They won't give up easily. Killing 250 Qiang soldiers makes you a rare talent in their eyes.

You need to think carefully about your path forward."

"Then in your opinion, should I become an imperial army officer or join the private armies of the two families?"

"That's your future, I can't interfere, but in my eyes, they're all bad people."

Xiao Shaoyou sneered:

"Longxi is on the border, a thousand miles from the capital. Why would the so-called court care about our lives? Sending a general with a thousand troops to defend Yunyang Pass? It's just for show, to maintain the court's face.

As for the Jun and Li families, they're just worried about the Qiang soldiers invading and seizing their property and land. The lives of civilians mean nothing to them either.

All three armies have their own selfish interests, but it's us soldiers and border civilians who suffer."

Luo Yu's lips curled into a playful smile:

"Border civilians? Weren't you indifferent to the lives of others?"

"I'm not that cold-blooded."

Xiao Shaoyou said expressionlessly:

"A mere captain isn't qualified to talk about the lives of the people. Take care of yourself first."

Luo Yu narrowed his eyes, the image of the treason letter flashing through his mind:

"Kong Xian, Li Chengxiao, Jun Yi - what about these three?"

"I know what you're thinking. You suspect the traitor is among them?"

Xiao Shaoyou put down his bowl and wiped his mouth:

"From the tone of the letter, this person must be high-ranking and hold military power in Yunyang Pass. I also suspect the traitor is among the three commanding generals.

I followed Kong Xian for half a year and know him well. Although he's not particularly capable, he has a good nature and a kind heart. He often teaches us to be loyal to the emperor and protect the people, he's a general with ideals and aspirations. The possibility of him being a traitor is minimal.

So Jun Yi and Li Chengxiao are more suspicious."

"These two are clan members of the Jun and Li families. Don't they have family members in the interior who could be executed by the court if they betray?"

"Clans have existed for so long with countless members. What's strange about one or two traitors? If the temptation is great enough, nothing is beyond sacrifice.

Besides, if the court had the power to execute both families, Longxi wouldn't be in this situation today."

"What are your plans?"

"Simple."

Xiao Shaoyou said calmly:

"I'll try to get samples of each general's handwriting, compare them, and eliminate suspects one by one. Even lower-ranking officers I'll keep an eye on. We still have a month until New Year's Eve.

If we can't find the traitor, we'll have to report to General Kong and set up additional security forces. At least we'll get through New Year's Eve safely.

In short, Yunyang Pass must not fall."

"Alright, then it's settled. Let me know if you need any help."

Luo Yu nodded silently. Although they were both captains, Xiao Shaoyou had deeper roots in the city. This matter mainly depended on him.

Just as he finished speaking, Luo Yu felt a hand reaching for his waist. His eyes turned cold, instinctively grabbing the person's arm.

But when he saw the innocent face, he was stunned - it was a seven or eight-year-old boy, his chubby little hand trying to touch the dagger at Luo Yu's waist.

Luo Yu's fierce gaze frightened the child, who immediately burst into tears. Old Li panicked, hugging the child and kneeling on the ground:

"Please spare me, sir. My grandson was being naughty and offended you. Please be merciful and spare this humble citizen.

If you want to punish someone, punish me, not the child."

The old man trembled. Although he knew Xiao Shaoyou, he didn't know Luo Yu. What if he was some important person?

In this border city, soldiers were lords, and civilians' lives meant nothing to them.

Xiao Shaoyou frowned:

"Just a child, no need to be so serious. Could he really stab you?"

Luo Yu's hand froze in mid-air. Protecting his weapon was instinctive, but he didn't want to bully such a young child.

The trembling old man, the sobbing child.

"Don't cry, don't cry. Scared you, didn't I?"

Luo Yu forced a smile, feeling guilty as he took the child from the old man's arms:

"Want some sweets later? If you don't cry, you'll get some."

"What's your name?"

"Yang'er."

"Good boy Yang'er, don't cry anymore."

The child is just a child. At the mention of sweets, he immediately stopped crying and said timidly:

"Big brother, I saw the knife handle on your waist. It looked nice, I just wanted to touch it. I'm sorry."

"Is this what you mean?"

Luo Yu pulled out the dagger from his waist. Yang'er's eyes lit up instantly, nodding vigorously:

"So nice!"

The dagger did have some history. When he was young, Luo Yu found a piece of meteoric iron in the mountains. After several years of polishing, he crafted this dagger. The handle was carved with a pattern of alternating sun and moon, looking somewhat elegant at first glance.

Dagger name: Dawn.

In his previous life, he had carried out multiple missions. One battle was particularly brutal, with over a dozen comrades dying on the battlefield. That operation was called Dawn.

So he named the dagger to commemorate those comrades.

"Big brother, are you a soldier?"

Yang'er blinked his eyes:

"My dad joined the army too. He said when he comes back, he'll make me a nice wooden sword."

"Oh, your dad joined the army too?"

"Yes."

Yang'er waved his little fist:

"My dad once killed two Qiang bandits. Everyone said he was brave. But he hasn't been home for a long time. Grandpa said he went far away to fight, and won't come back until I grow up."

Luo Yu was stunned, looking at Old Li. The old man's eyes were red-rimmed.

This wasn't about going away to fight; he was clearly already dead.

Luo Yu felt a pang of sadness, stroking the child's head:

"This knife is too sharp, it could hurt you. You can't play with it. Would you like me to make you a wooden sword in a few days? It will be just as nice."

"Really?"

Yang'er jumped up excitedly:

"Thank you, big brother!"

Old Li wiped away a tear, carried Yang'er to one side, and bowed to Luo Yu before leaving.

Luo Yu turned to Xiao Shaoyou:

"You knew his dad wasn't coming back, right? That's why you specially came to take care of their business?"

"I'm not that kind-hearted."

Xiao Shaoyou said coldly:

"Which young man in Yunyang Pass doesn't go to war or join the army? Every household has lost someone. How can I take care of everyone?

I just like this grandfather-grandson pair and their mutton soup."

"Every household sends their men to war?"

Watching the grandfather and grandson's backs, Luo Yu's eyes grew deep, lost in thought.

Xiao Shaoyou suddenly changed his tone:

"Don't look at you being cold and icy all the time, you have a warm heart too.

Come on, let me play with your little dagger."

Luo Yu glared at him, the dagger appearing:

"What, Captain Xiao, just got promoted and want to taste my blade?"