Chapter 179 : A Tooth for a Tooth

Amongst Jiang Xin Zhi’s many predictions, none of them had anything to do with Jin’er being Jiang Ruan’s friend. He was stunned, “What?”

“You don’t remember me anymore?” Jin’er looked at Jiang Xin Zhi’s shocked expression, and was a little anxious. After seeing that there was no one else around, she stooped closer and said, “At the palace banquet, you saved my life and I… I have come to repay this debt. Do you really not recall?”

Jiang Xin Zhi frowned. At first, he did think that this young lady was somewhat familiar yet he was not sure where he knew her from, but now that he heard her mention the past, the event abruptly came to mind. During Empress Dowager Yi De’s palace banquet, some a.s.sa.s.sins had appeared, and he recalled that he seemed to have saved two young ladies. Now that he thought about it, one of the ladies aligned with the appearance of the young girl before him. Only… He was shocked, “You are a young lady from an official family, why have you come here?”

At first, he did not take heed of who she was so naturally did not know her ident.i.ty. However, to be able to attend the palace banquet, she most definitely was a young lady from an official family. With such delicate skin and tender flesh, how did such a pampered young miss enter this enemy camp; how had she come from the capital to this frontier juncture that was more than ten million miles away, and most importantly, what about her parents?

“We were taught in our fu that the favour of saving one’s life must definitely be returned like a gushing spring.” Jin’er said seriously, “Since you saved my life, no matter what, I must repay you. You are being held in the enemy camp, therefore, if you suffered an unfortunate accident, I would no longer have a chance to return the favour. Because this would go against the teachings of the fu, I made a decision to mix amongst the women of the reinforcement camp to come here- this was all so that I would not violate the family teachings. Once my parents come to know, they will definitely support me in this decision.”

This sounded like sophistry; shoving false arguments down people’s throats[1]. For a young lady to come here so boldly- as a person born into an official family, she must pay attention to her reputation. Thinking about how her parents must be half angered to their graves, it was commendable that she was still able to speak with such pa.s.sion and justice. With his head somewhat throbbing, Jiang Xin Zhi replied, “You shouldn’t have come here, it’s too dangerous.”

[1] 强词夺理 (qiǎngcíduólǐ) – to twist words and force logic (idiom); sophistry; loud rhetoric making up for fallacious argument; shoving false arguments down people’s throats.

“Since I’ve already arrived, I must not be worried about the danger.” Jin’er replied quickly, which truly suited her straightforward temperament, “But if you’re planning to chase me away, then that truly would be dangerous.”

“Then how did you manage to enter the enemy camp?” Although he was roughly following along with her words, as Jiang Ruan’s friend, Jiang Xin Zhi could no longer act coldly towards her. However, he still felt somewhat suspicious and unclear about her means.

Upon hearing his question, Jin’er laughed. “Deputy General Jiang, Xiao w.a.n.gye has arrived with the Jinyi Guards, consequently how could he look on without lifting a finger to help you. You are Xiao w.a.n.gye’s brother-in-law, so if Xiao w.a.n.gye didn’t care about you, when he returns would Ruan Meimei allow him to have good days ahead? Xiao w.a.n.gye has already sent people to save you, only…” Jin’er stuck out her tongue, “while the people under his command are truly skilled in martial arts, those South Xinjiang people truly have treacherous thoughts, thus, they are afraid of raising suspicions. Ordinary girls were unwilling to come; the daring ones weren’t smart enough, and the smart ones are afraid of death. There was only me who was both daring and smart, who took the initiative to offer myself for the a.s.signment, and only then did Xiao w.a.n.gye send me here. However, I’m only the support because in the end, I still have to rely on the people under Xiao w.a.n.gye for help.”

After she relayed this all in one breath, she continued to slide in some compliments, appearing even more candid and lively. Perhaps she was different from the often seen well bred young ladies from those big families in the capital because she had even dared to use Xiao Shao to make fun of him. Jiang Xin Zhi was slightly astonished as he considered how this young lady did things in such an easy-manner, and doubted how the adults of the family had raised this sort of charming character. So he asked, “Which family’s young lady are you? What is your esteemed father’s name?”

Jin’er was startled, then laughed, “My father is merely a small military official. He doesn’t really catch one’s eye and I’m sure Deputy General Jiang wouldn’t recognise him. So am I some young lady? You can just call me Jin’er. I am now your maidservant, not some Young Miss.”

Jiang Xin Zhi paused before he spoke in a low voice, “When I saved you, I wasn’t looking for some form of reward. You, a young lady from the capital, for you to have done such a thing is truly too risky. In the future, you should be careful before you act because these South Xinjiang people are crafty. I will use my own means to protect you but you should also be extra mindful. In addition, if necessary, in a time of danger you should not bother about me.”

This was his command. Jiang Xin Zhi’s words clearly revealed that he believed Jin’er and in the future, he would also protect her. The young man’s expression was stalwart, his five features had always seemed refined and scholarly yet now with an added air of a talent who was versed in martial arts, his every action and words spoken were naturally open and candid. And when he was serious, his appearance gave off another sort of charm. Jin’er’s face turned a tad red before she retreated in reply, “Yes.”

While the two of them were speaking, at some point it had quieted down outside. Right now, it was deep in the night and all the South Xinjiang soldiers were sleeping soundly on the ground after drinking copious amounts of strong spirits. The atmosphere outside was quiet, and the entire camp seemed to be shrouded in silence as if it was always this still and peaceful.

Jiang Xin Zhi furrowed his eyebrows. As a person of martial arts, he was extremely sensitive to the slightest hint of change- especially if something was happening right before him- and right now, although he could not see anything, he had a niggling feeling of discomfort. This army camp, it was almost too quiet. The deafening silence made it seem like something was about to happen. Yet, he did not dare to tear the tent open to look – two soldiers were still outside by the entrance and had not moved an inch.

Jin’er looked at his facial expression and also felt somewhat ill at ease. She leaned in close to Jiang Xin Zhi’s ear and lowered her voice, “Why is it this quiet, it seems like… …” Her voice was too soft and Jiang Xin Zhi could not hear her clearly so he moved to listen better to what she was saying. Who knew that when he turned his head, Jin’er’s lips brushed against his cheek. Jiang Xin Zhi froze and in a split second, Jin’er’s face was red all over.

He had grown this big, yet he had never had such close contact with a female. Perhaps it was because he had received no small measure of harm from witnessing with his own eyes the cruel fighting and scheming between the wife and the concubines, and so apart from his meimei, Jiang Xin Zhi had always kept a respectful distance from all other females. As the Deputy General in the military, as soon as he showed a hint of brighter prospects, along with his moniker as a ‘G.o.d of War’, the number of ladies who had come forth by themselves to make their adoration known to him were not in small numbers. Furthermore, this did not even take into account those people who wanted to use their daughters (in the form of marriage as a familial connection) as a means to climb up, just. He was young and handsome, tall and exceptional, and his actions had always been seen as those of an upright gentleman, so naturally he would attract much attention. But now that he had been this improper, all at once Jiang Xin Zhi felt somewhat vexed. Even so, he did not know how to apologise to Jin’er.

Once the momentary spell of panic left her, Jin’er then calmed down. Beneath the dim lantern light, one could not clearly see her expression, as she turned her head nonchalantly to continue, “I do feel it’s somewhat strange, could it be that Xiao w.a.n.gye has sent someone to save us?”

Jiang Xin was stunned, only to hear Jin’er say again, “How much of your strength has returned to you now?”

“About seventy percent.” Jiang Xin Zhi replied as he thought about it.

“Can you fight against the two outside?” Jin’er asked.

“Yes.”

“Then great,” Jin’er was somewhat nervous, “you better get ready. I… I seem to hear the signal from outside.”

“Signal?” Jiang Xin Zhi was puzzled.

“Before I came, I asked around. The wolf’s howl is used as the signal, listen–”

In the tranquil night, there really was the sound of the wolves howling. There was not a small number of starving wolves in this prairie, but because the soldiers had torches and weapons, they had always remained at a respectful distance. Now that they could hear wolf howls from afar, it didn’t seem like much, but Jin’er was firmly convinced that amongst them, there was some sort of special rhythm to how the sounds were made.

In the tent, the two people held their breath. The pitch black sky outside was deep, and in the darkness there seemed to be some rustling noises approaching. Even so the soldiers continued to sleep soundly and the sounds went unnoticed.

Then the rustling sounds became crackling and rattling noises, when suddenly a new sound joined the mix- something collapsed like a beam falling to the ground, “pa!” The sound startled one soldier who had been sleeping soundly. He rubbed his eyes as he swore while getting up to walk out of a tent. He wanted to see what had made such a loud noise, but as he stepped out, he felt a wave of heat rush forward.

After being thus awakened from his drunken stupor, he immediately widened his eyes as he realized a tongue of unbridled flames was spreading across the whole sky. It was as if the dark night had become daytime as the flames reflected in his eyes. The flames grew larger and larger and larger as if they were about to swallow up his entire line of thought. It wasn’t until the flames had already spread to the closest tent that he finally snapped out of his daze and let out a miserable shriek from the bottom of his throat. Then he shouted in a clear voice, “Hurry and wake up! Wake up ah! The provisions are on fire!”

Like a sudden clap of thunder in the dark night, it seemed like everyone in the tents were shocked awake. As the soldiers made a grab for their weapons, they rushed out of the tents, and were immediately stunned by the scene before their eyes. They could no longer care about anything else as they called out, “Hurry, put out the fire– put out the fire—-”

Yet in this barren gra.s.sland, water was something precious; on an ordinary day, just water for daily consumption like drinking and eating was scarce. With such a ferocious and large fire like this, it would be to no avail. Nevertheless the very area that was on fire was their granary! That was the entire South Xinjiang army’s provisions and with one glance, this fire seemed to roar and burn vigorously towards the skies. The soldiers all felt unbelievably distressed, but then they felt a deep sense of fear. Without even moving the military forces, someone had targeted their rations and fodder first. They had just been mocking Great Jin’s army for having their funds and provisions burned to bits by someone in their capital, yet now the tables had turned. While the men from Great Jin did not have any new supplies, they could still rely on their remaining supplies to persist for a while longer, yet before their very eyes, their own had been burned to a crisp. They could not even withstand one day without any provisions left. Moreover, since they didn’t have enough water to control the fire they were in a situation where they could only stare blankly with wide eyes as the grains that they relied on for survival became a pile of ashes. How ruthless!

“What are you panicking for, use the sand to extinguish the fire!” From the shadows, a low voice yelled out and when everyone looked, they eventually saw someone dressed in grey step out of nowhere. In a deep voice that seemed to be filled with some anger, “Be careful not to alarm Saintess!”

“Military Counsellor! The army provisions have been burned!” A soldier could not help but hurriedly burst out, “What should we do now?”

“Silence!” Yuan Chuan replied, “All the soldiers go to the dunes to scoop up sand. And, if anyone dares to shout out in alarm, they will be punished by martial law!”

The soldiers immediately fell silent; Yuan Chuan was their leader. With him around, it seemed that they would not need to worry about anything. All at once, with Yuan Chuan’s order, everyone rushed in succession towards the nearest sand dune.

Yuan Chuan held his hands behind his back as he stood, his wide robes covering most of his face making it so that no one could clearly see his expression. Yet, on those beautiful red lips, there was no longer a slight lift of a grin like before. It was evident that at this moment, he was not so cheerful. Although he spoke confidently, still… Seeing the position of the blaze, one would already know that their supplies could no longer be saved. It was truly a case of, while one had the heart, they lacked the power to do anything.

His fingers hidden within the long robe slowly clenched into fists. Yuan Chuan stood still, as if there was something he had forgotten. This fire had obviously been started by Great Jin’s soldiers, and though it could be said that this hand of theirs was treacherous, it was them (South Xinjiang army) who had underestimated the Jinyi Guards. The enemy had been silent so they were actually waiting for an opportunity? They had chosen this very moment, when the South Xinjiang troop was most at ease, to take action- they had truly planned well.

Yet, what was it that he had forgotten? Yuan Chuan surveyed the area around him when his gaze moved across one of the large tents. He abruptly stopped. The two soldiers outside the tent were still standing upright, but their stance was somewhat stiff. Yuan Chuan looked closer but those two soldiers never moved, as if they were two stone statues.

Yuan Chuan felt a sense of crisis as he murmured his doubts to himself. Then he yelled, “Hurry over to see where Jiang Xin Zhi is!”

The soldiers immediately rushed towards Jiang Xin Zhi’s large tent, only to find that the two bodyguards had long since been dead. Moreover, they had been positioned to remain standing with a long pole behind them. Inside the large tent, it had long been vacated; where would there still be anyone inside?

“It’s bad, Jiang Xin Zhi has escaped —” A panicked voice floated across the entire large South Xinjiang camp. Yuan Chuan stood clinching his lips tightly. He spoke ferociously, “In such a short time, he couldn’t have run very far. Chase after him!”

His subordinates accepted his orders and departed. Yuan Chuan looked again at the raging, blazing large fire in the granary, and then at the empty tent even though there was no one was inside. Including the maidservant. Contrary to how he seemed, Jiang Xin Zhi was someone who had tender, protective feelings for the fairer gender…. Wrong, as if he thought of something, his body froze suddenly. In Jiang Xin Zhi’s daily food, they had been using drugs to make his muscles go soft, yet how could he have taken down the bodyguards at the entrance. And now that he had taken advantage of the chaos to flee, how could he have grasped this opportunity so accurately and coordinated a plan so flawlessly? That maidservant- It was that maidservant!

Jiang Xin Zhi was not someone who would trust others so easily, and especially in this large South Xinjiang camp barracks, he had put his guard up against everyone. Initially when they had placed a spy beside Jiang Xin Zhi to probe, they were stunned to find that they could not get any useful intel from him. Still, Jiang Xin Zhi had unexpectedly brought that maidservant with him as he fled, which meant that the maidservant was definitely not so simple. Maybe she was someone Xiao Shao had sent to rescue Jiang Xin Zhi!

Even though Yuan Chuan’s face was as still as water, his heart was furious and wild with anger. All of his life, he had conceitedly felt that he was highly intelligent and had all things entirely within his grasp. Yet he had not thought that he could be made a fool of in this manner. First, that maidservant did not seem to have any superior martial art skills, and second, he had presumed that the maidservant would not have any guts yet he had been totally deceived by her. Today, Xiao Shao had sent someone to burn his granary and rescue Jiang Xin Zhi. For him, this was extraordinarily shameful and more than anything he felt humiliation in his heart and indignation at this insult.

* * *

In the barren gra.s.slands at night, the wind was incomparably strong as a horse’s hooves clopped forth. In the whistle of the wind, the tresses of the people riding the horse blew wildly.

Jiang Xin Zhi sat behind Jin’er with both arms circled around her waist to hold onto the reins, making it look like her entire body was wrapped in his embrace. Because he was pressed too close, a light cold scent from his body lingered at her nose and Jin’er’s face flushed lightly. To not have the man behind her find out about her embarra.s.sment, she asked, “What happens if they chase after us?”

Jiang Xin Zhi smiled lightly, a.s.suming she was afraid and consoled her, “No need to worry, once we pa.s.s the Liao River, we will be fine. Since Xiao Shao has sent someone to provide support, naturally he will have made sufficient preparations.”

After Jin’er thought for a moment, she suddenly laughed, “Xiao w.a.n.gye’s hand was truly merciless. To have conveniently created a fire without any extra effort while saving you, and making the granary completely unsalvageable, is truly an example of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ If I was someone from South Xinjiang at this moment, I’m afraid that I would be vexed to death.”

Jiang Xin Zhi did not understand what she was alluding to. He had been held captive inside the tent and could not receive any news. Yet as he listened to Jin’er, he roughly guessed some things. Recalling her display earlier, he chuckled, “Your skills are not bad and you showed great courage as well.”

In fact, Jin’er’s martial art skills were still too shabby to be called ‘not bad’, but one could tell that she had practiced it before. However, one could also tell that the people in her fu probably felt too distressed at the idea of having a young lady practice her skills until her body and bones became exhausted, so Jin’er’s skills could be considered good enough for self-protection. Yet if there was something to admire, it would be her ruthlessness to kill and attack without hesitation when she faced those bodyguards who had been shocked awake and tried to block their path. Contrary to belief, she didn’t show any signs of fear and her movements barely showed any hesitation. She even seemed like a warrior born from a general’s family.

On hearing this, Jin’er turned her head with a small smile and said, “This is natural, I…” As if she noticed something, her words stopped short. She glanced at him somewhat restlessly, yet she found that Jiang Xin Zhi was staring at her blankly before reaching out to caress her face. She tensed, then stilled as she felt Jiang Xin Zhi peel something leather-like from her face. With a raised brow, he asked, “Fake?”

At this moment, that “burn scar” was pinched between Jiang Xin Zhi’s fingers and Jin’er let out a sigh of relief. Chuckling at his words, she said, “Of course, it is fake. If I did not disguise myself a little, then it wouldn’t be too good. At first, you didn’t recognise me, but now that you are looking at me more closely, perhaps you recognise me now?” All at once, her smile seemed extremely candid and sincere as she purposefully leaned in closer to have him take a closer look.

She was still holding a small torch in her hand and in the flame’s light, it reflected her clean and fair skin. After shedding that layer of disguise, she truly was a beautiful young lady with naturally delicate and pretty facial features. Yet her appearance was also filled with a sort of heroic spirit and with every frank action of hers, Jiang Xin Zhi’s heart stirred slightly. He turned his head away.

“At that time, you were but a little girl.” But now she had become a young woman. He now felt an ineffable sense of joy in his heart because when he had looked at the scar on Jin’er’s face, he thought that she had met with some misfortune since he had seen her last. And so, he did not want to ask about her wound. Yet now that he had found out that it was nothing more than a fake scar, he both heaved a sigh of relief and inwardly mocked himself at his own worries. When had he ever paid any attention to this sort of thing before?

As the horse continued to canter forth, the two people eventually reached Liao River. Over the river there was a small bridge made of bamboo woven together. Below it the river water was running fast, making it seem as if they would be swallowed up by it if they were not careful. After the two of them got off the horse, they urged it to run free before crossing the bridge. As expected, there were people waiting on the other side to provide support. Seeing Jiang Xin Zhi and Jin’er safely arrive, without another word, they drew their knives. With a few hacks, they had chopped off the ropes of the bridge and with a loud rumble, the bridge snapped. Now, even if the South Xinjiang troops wanted to cross the river, they would temporarily be unable to do so. Then, the small group of people leaped onto large horses that had been prepared in advance, and they all disappeared into the night.

* * *

In Great Jin’s camp barracks, the youth with his chilly, aloof, jade-like countenance, and dressed in inky-black martial attire sat in the Commander-in-chief’s seat. At present, his subordinates had entered the tent to report, “Master, Deputy General Jiang and Miss Zhao are safe, and will arrive here soon. The South Xinjiang people’s granary has been burned to ashes, so for the time being, there should not be any more setbacks for us.”

Xiao Shao faintly replied with a grunt as his gaze lowered without a word. Guan Liang Han, who had been sitting at the side, could not resist any longer and finally spoke, “Third Brother, the people under your command are truly extraordinary to have burned their army barracks. If it were my subordinates, I’m afraid they would not have done so quite as flawlessly. Throughout the world, only your Jinyi Guards are able to do so to such a degree. This is truly too delightful to watch!”

With a white robe draped over his shoulders, one could faintly see some white bandages overneath. Although some of the wounds on his body had yet to be fully healed, he had been unable to hold back, and insisted on being present. Before, when Guan Liang Han and Jiang Xin Zhi had been ambushed by the South Xinjiang’s spies around them, both had gotten injured. Guan Liang Han was filled with hatred as he was gnashing his teeth with rage, “The South Xinjiang people are filled with evil tricks. When we waged war with Tian Jin, South Xinjiang also wanted to get involved. They don’t use strength and discipline either, only dirty tricks. What skills they have!”

“All’s fair in war[2],” Xiao Shao faintly replied, yet his brows were slightly furrowed. He naturally understood why the South Xinjiang decided to stick their nose in, only some things could not be spoken of to outsiders. Guan Liang Han was also not aware of the deeper meaning behind those words. The South Xinjiang people’s ambitions were one small piece of a larger scheme, and now was the right time to lure the snake out of its hole. With him sparing no pain or effort to suppress South Xinjiang, truthfully, he had not thought as profoundly as Guan Liang Han was imagining.

[2] 兵不厌诈 (bīngbùyànzhà) – there can never be too much deception in war / in war nothing is too deceitful / all’s fair in war.

Xiao Shao recalled the flying pigeon’s missive that came from the capital: Xia Jun and Jiang Chao had been in cahoots to burn the provisions that were being transported to the frontier. Yet, they had been hindered by Jiang Ruan in retaliation. Xuan Li had suffered a double loss after trying to trick the enemy[3], and Xia Jun and Jiang Chao had also eaten one’s own bitter fruit[4]. Qi Feng’s letter had unintentionally revealed his admiration and respect towards Jiang Ruan, and Xiao Shao had felt a sense of pride because of that. It’s just that ever since Xuan Li had begun to collude with South Xinjiang, they had been plotting against the Jinyi Guards in the capital. Jiang Ruan had helped him to parry back but Jinying w.a.n.gfu did not have a history of just swallowing any deficit into their stomach, so naturally they would spare no effort to dish it back in return.

[3] 赔了夫人又折兵 (péile fūrén yòu zhé bīng) – having given away a bride, to lose one’s army on top of it (idiom); to suffer a double loss after trying to trick the enemy.

[4] 自食恶果 (zì shí èguǒ) – to suffer the consequences of one’s own actions.

So without a second thought, he had sent people to burn the South Xinjiang people’s granary. The South Xinjiang people and Tian Jin must have reached some sort of agreement. With this blaze diminishing all of their army’s provisions, the South Xinjiang people would naturally seek Tian Jin for help. Only, Tian Jin kingdom was now powerless to defend themselves and furthermore, it was also a land without much bountiful resources. Where would they be able to produce such rations and fodder for them? Since they would be unable to hand it out, then the South Xinjiang people would no longer continue to be stationed there because there was no way they would be willing to lose their lives in vain. Thus, if South Xinjiang and Tian Jin’s alliance was broken, one could divide and conquer with quick speed.

In regards to Zhao Jin, it was exactly by chance that they had yet to find someone suitable when Zhao Jin offered to undertake the mission; seeing that she was extremely suited, he had tacitly agreed. Now that Jiang Xin Zhi had been safely rescued, there were still some things that had not been attended to yet, and now he could feel at ease to go all out.

Guan Liang Han spoke, “Now that Jiang Xin Zhi has returned and South Xinjiang’s strength has been greatly diminished, we need to focus on Tian Jin. Then things will be complet. Dammit, I have long since been displeased with those descendants from Tian Jin. Third Brother, now that you are here, I’m very relieved. This time, if I don’t give Tian Jin a bitter lesson, then we are not fit to be called brothers from Mt. Jianan!”

While these words were a bit provocative, Guan Liang Han himself knew that there was actually no need to say them. After all, this person, Xiao Shao, his disposition had always been direct, so straightforward that even his war tactics did not require too much skill. With such an invincible army and now the addition of their Master’s resolute, callous commands, any melancholy that had ama.s.sed due to Jiang Xin Zhi’s imprisonment had now dissipated with just a day’s effort. They would certainly, without any mercy, vent it all out.

This war would soon become b.l.o.o.d.y.