Upon hearing Yiyan’s straightforward response, Tuoba Yilu excitedly stood up. No matter how much he valued the reuse of Wei Cao and other Jin people, imitating the refined demeanor of the other side, he remained a Xianbei man at heart. His fondest pursuits were still the unrestrained life of immediate hunting, indulging in wine, and singing. Now, Yiyan’s direct answer also sparked a bit of competitive spirit in him.
The group arrived outside the tent, and Tuoba Yilu shouted in Xianbei language, immediately attracting five or six robust men. The chieftain didn’t mince words, stating, “These are my personal soldiers, skilled in archery. How about a competition, shooting at willows?”
Yiyan now understood that Zhang Bin wanted him to showcase his strength in such a situation. Without hesitation, he selected a few of his best archers. Unlike the Xianbei youths on the other side, his chosen ones included Jie, Xiongnu, and Han individuals, which intrigued Tuoba Yilu.
Soon, the arena was set up. Unlike the willow shooting in the Central Plains, the Xianbei method involved bending willow branches, peeling a ring of white bark, and hanging it a few feet above the ground. Shooting the white part and catching the broken branch while riding was the top skill; failing to catch it was second; the worst was hitting the green part or missing entirely.
As it was a competition, Tuoba Yilu directly hung six willow branches, each side sending three riders to compete. This not only tested archery but also compared riding skills. Whoever rode faster and better would gain the upper hand!
After all, it was a Xianbei grand tent, and witnessing such a contest drew many people out, chatting and laughing. Some couldn’t help but blow deer whistles, creating quite a noisy atmosphere. This became another obstacle. However, Yiyan gave no instructions, and his soldiers moved forward to the challenge.
When the horn of the bull sounded, six spirited horses galloped out. Xianbei people grew up on horseback, and proficiency in riding and archery was countless. This time, the selected elite from the royal tent were all valiant and robust. However, the Jin soldiers on the opposite side were not to be outdone. Their riding skills even seemed more disciplined, as if born on horseback!
Tuoba Yilu’s eyes were sharp, immediately noticing the difference in their saddles and reins. Truly, they were warriors under the Buddha’s command, and their equipment was excellent. In the blink of an eye, several sharp sounds tore through the clear sky, and all six willow branches were cut off.
The crowd on the sidelines erupted into cheers. Many praised the skill. The Jin soldiers stood solemnly on the side. Tuoba Yilu nodded approvingly and took the cut willow branches, examining them closely. All six were almost identical, hitting the peeled white part, and everyone caught a branch.
Tuoba Yilu couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Admirable, General Yi has such strong soldiers under his command. Isn’t this an evenly matched competition?”
Yiyan also showed a hint of a smile on his lips. “The Chanyu commands tens of thousands of soldiers. How could it not be evenly matched?”
Even with fewer troops on their side, they spoke confidently. However, Tuoba Yilu, hearing this, indeed felt a sense of satisfaction. In terms of archery and horsemanship, there were few on the vast grasslands who could surpass his Xianbei people!
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But words aside, the competition couldn’t end so simply. Tuoba Yilu raised an eyebrow. “Having seen the skills of these young warriors, I have yet to witness General’s methods. Would General be willing to demonstrate?”
After comparing soldiers, it was only natural to compare commanders. Tuoba Yilu considered himself slightly older and perhaps not as skilled as Yiyan, but his noble status allowed him to invite his nephews or other prominent generals to compete, which was not unacceptable.
To his surprise, Yiyan did not respond directly; he simply said, “Since the Chanyu wishes to see, this humble general will display his skills.”
Hmm? What did that mean? Before Tuoba Yilu could grasp the meaning, he saw Yiyan instructing his soldiers to bring a special bow. The bow was custom-made, with a long and robust frame, tight sinews, with a pulling force of at least two stones. What caught the eye even more was that the grip of the bow was polished to a shiny black, indicating daily practice.
Yiyan took hold of the long bow, looked up at the sky, and walked a few steps outside the tent to an open area. It was only then that Tuoba Yilu realized what he was focused on. A southbound flock of geese was about to fly over their heads. In the autumn season, it was the time for geese to migrate south, occasionally crossing the grasslands in groups.
However, for those who lived on the grasslands, no one paid much attention to the geese above their heads. It was because the geese flew too high! If it were geese landing near hunting grounds or marshes, that would be understandable. Who would shoot at flying geese?
Just as Tuoba Yilu was puzzled, the young Jie man suddenly pulled the bowstring forcefully. The power in that draw was mighty and domineering, almost capable of overturning a galloping horse or tearing off a deer’s antler. Tuoba Yilu immediately discerned that the bow must weigh at least three stones! However, the archer paid no attention to the gazes around him. His shoulders were stretched taut like the bowstring, and then he released!
A buzzing sound echoed through the air, and the flock of geese above the camp instantly went into chaos. All the geese darted and squawked in panic because their lead goose had been shot down mid-air by a single arrow!
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Now, not only Tuoba Yilu but even the surrounding Xianbei people were stunned into silence. It was Yiyan’s immediate subordinates who reacted swiftly. They quickly rode over and picked up the fallen dead goose from the ground. When Tuoba Yilu saw the wound on the goose clearly, he involuntarily took in a sharp breath. This arrow had actually pierced through the head of the goose! From a distance of at least three hundred steps! What an extraordinarily fierce and formidable shot!
“General’s divine archery!” The Bing County cavalry standing nearby shouted in unison. The voices were so uniform and resounding that they seemed to tear through the sky. Revived by this praise, Tuoba Yilu burst into hearty laughter and vigorously patted Yiyan on the shoulder. “General Yi truly deserves to be the beloved general of our lord! Indeed, a divine archer!”
This burst of laughter immediately diluted the solemn and intimidating shouts of the Bing County cavalry. Other Xianbei men in the camp also joined in, their tone not cautious but filled with genuine admiration. What these young Xianbei men respected the most were heroes and brave warriors! A marksman who could shoot down the lead goose with a single arrow truly deserved their respect!
Putting aside the competition, Tuoba Yilu personally walked back to the tent, his arm around Yiyan.
“If the lord’s subordinates are all like Brother Yi, it’s no wonder the Bai dogs are losing miserably! Haha! With such a formidable general in hand, there’s no need to fear the Xiongnu!” Tuoba Yilu casually referred to each other as brothers.
Yiyan’s expression remained largely unaffected, only saying, “Bing County has few troops. It took two years to train them. The Chanyu’s assistance is still needed.”
A powerful army trained in just two years? Tuoba Yilu’s eyes flickered for a moment, and then he laughed, “Those Bai dogs were originally a headache for my Tuoba clan. This time, our clan is sending six thousand troops. Is that enough?”
Beside him, Zhang Bin quickly added, “More than enough! With the Chanyu’s troops, those rebels from the Bai clan will surely return to the Chanyu’s side!”
The words were impeccably appropriate. They agreed to the offer of assistance while indirectly indicating that they had no intention of coveting the spoils of war. Once the Bai clan was defeated, these Xianbei people would still be servants of the Tuoba clan, and they would let them handle it.
Yiyan also extended his gratitude, “Thank you, Chanyu.”
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Tuoba Yilu, satisfied, squinted his eyes. After witnessing the strength of these Bing County soldiers, he immediately made a decision. This was not the weak army under Sima Teng back then. In just two years, to train such a force – if given the same amount of time to the Lord of Liang, it might make the Xiongnu retreat. The Tuoba clan, adjacent to Bing County, currently lacked sufficient strength. Submitting to the Great Jin, gradually accumulating strength, was the top priority.
That’s why his older brother sent troops to assist Sima Teng earlier, and even now, with a new leader in charge of Bing County, Tuoba Yilu had no intention of turning hostile. Since he couldn’t go against them, he had to establish good relations with the newly appointed Governor of Bing County. When dealing with the weak, one could be dismissive or even threatening, but it wasn’t the same with the strong. It was better to maintain some goodwill now to potentially build relationships in the future.
Moreover, the envoy spoke the truth. After all, the Bai clan was essentially the servant of Tuoba’s clan. They couldn’t show weakness in front of outsiders, let alone allow this army to cause trouble from within. If someone could help him eliminate this threat, it would indeed be advantageous. It would be foolish not to agree to such a win-win situation!
“Nonsense! Our Tuoba clan has always been loyal subjects of the Great Jin. For such matters, the Lord can command as he wishes!” Having said all the official words, Tuoba Yilu laughed and clapped his hands. “Come! Today is a distinguished guest’s arrival. Roast lamb and prepare the wine, get ready for a feast!”
Now that the important matters were settled, it was time to properly host the guest. Nomadic tribes, by nature, were wanderers, and encounters with strangers on the vast grasslands were rare. Therefore, they were extremely hospitable. The Tuoba clan, being both powerful and affluent, took this hospitality to the extreme. Not only did they summon brothers and sons to accompany the guests, but even female relatives were brought in. The 800 elite riders brought by Yiyan were also included in the reception.
How could one refuse such hospitality? Yiyan also ordered his men to disarm and join in the drinking, disregarding military regulations for the day.
With such good guests, Tuoba Yilu’s enthusiasm rose a few notches. The feast began at dusk and continued until the bonfire blazed brightly. The Xianbei people gathered around the fire, singing and dancing. Despite the influence of Wei Cao and other Jin people teaching etiquette and the adoption of Han customs, the Tuoba clan still maintained the wild and unrestrained enthusiasm in their nature. Without drinking heartily and dancing merrily, how could it be considered a good feast?!
The clear voice of women’s singing and the hearty laughter of men blended into the night. The bonfire resembled scattered stars, covering the ground and forming a brilliant starry river. Zhang Bin was holding a wine cup, whispering with Wei Cao, discussing whether it was possible to establish trade between Bing County and the Tuoba clan. Meanwhile, Yiyan was surrounded by a group of men, continuously being offered drinks. Some were curious about the powerful bow used to shoot the goose and wanted to give it a try.
Yiyan, although a Hu man himself, the Jie people traditionally relied on agriculture for a living. Having spent several years in the Liang residence, he found this boundless hospitality, with no limits, a bit unfamiliar. Nevertheless, considering them as allies, he did not act reserved. He drank when offered, and allowed others to play with his bow, but declined the advances of a few women who came to invite him, never truly joining in the dance.
The scene was chaotic, yet Yiyan, amidst such a banquet, did not lose self-control. The alcohol here was much milder than the strong liquor of the Liang residence, causing only a bloated stomach when consumed in excess. It couldn’t make him drunk. He wouldn’t allow himself to lose control. Just as he was dealing with the boisterous Xianbei men, a faint sound of music reached his ears.
Yiyan turned his head slightly, observing a Xianbei maiden sitting near a distant bonfire, playing with a bamboo reed pipe as if no one else was around. The sound was clear and melodious, with a touch of gentleness, evoking memories of distant past events. Sensing his gaze, the girl suddenly looked up and gazed in their direction. Unprepared to be noticed, Yiyan retracted his gaze and continued drinking. However, this action did not escape the eyes of onlookers.
As the moon rose, even the most enthusiastic feast had its end. Yiyan’s steps were steady as he walked toward his assigned dwelling. However, upon lifting the tent curtain, his brows immediately furrowed. Inside the tent sat a maiden, the same one who had played the reed pipe.
Seeing Yiyan, the girl’s almond-like eyes widened, and she softly exclaimed, “Yi Luo Gui!”
In the Xianbei language, this meant “hero.” However, upon seeing Yiyan’s slightly furrowed brows, the girl quickly understood that he might not understand Xianbei. She didn’t attempt to continue the conversation but boldly stood up, opening the long gown wrapped around her.
She had smooth wheat-colored skin, a well-rounded and full chest, long and well-shaped legs, and a face that was charming and vivid. Under the buttery torchlight, she was truly enchanting. Faced with such a captivating sight, Yiyan’s brows furrowed even more, and without entering the tent, he took a step back, letting the curtain fall and blocking this beauty from his view.
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However, before he could settle, the curtain was suddenly lifted again. The girl stared at Yiyan with a mix of surprise and anger. Her beauty was among the best in the tribe, and no one had ever rejected her advances. How dare this Jie man treat her like this?!
However, Yiyan took another step back and whispered in Xiongnu language, “I apologize; I have someone I love.”
The girl could understand some Xiongnu language and paused, unable to resist asking, “Is she more beautiful than me?”
“No one is more beautiful than him.”
Moonlight illuminated his young and handsome face, and his gray-blue eyes almost turned into a deep blue hue, resembling the color of a lake on a snowy mountain.
The girl hesitated for a moment and asked with a hint of dissatisfaction, “Then why are you looking at me?”
“You were playing the reed pipe. The music reminded me of that person.” Yiyan’s brows and eyes relaxed, and his words were almost gentle.
The girl, who had witnessed the majestic scene of this Jie man shooting the goose, seen hundreds of soldiers rising and shouting his name, and observed his indifferent and calm demeanor at the feast, had never seen such a tender and soft-spoken side of him.
After a moment of hesitation, the girl suddenly grabbed the bamboo reed from her waist and thrust it into Yiyan’s hand, saying, “Take it!”
Yiyan wanted to refuse, but the girl said resentfully, “It caused me a misunderstanding! I don’t want it anymore!”
It was clear that this was not a token of affection but something the girl genuinely wanted to give him. Yiyan hesitated for a moment, but she had already withdrawn her hand, looking somewhat unwilling. Standing on tiptoe, she seemed to want to give him a kiss on the face.
Yiyan’s skills were evident; how could he let her succeed? Watching the man who even avoided cheek kisses, the Xianbei girl stomped her foot in frustration, disregarding her disheveled clothes, and swiftly left the tent as if flying.
Yiyan sighed softly. For him, such enthusiastic courtship was quite rare. But what he desired was not this. Gripping the bamboo reed, he returned to the tent. The slightly intoxicating feeling of the alcohol began to rise, and in the haze, he seemed to hear a burst of music—lively, joyful, with carefree excitement and tender, warm affection. He couldn’t play the piano, but with the bamboo reed, perhaps he could blow out the same melody.
Holding the small instrument, he lay back on the felt.
The next day, the group left the Tuoba tribe and returned to Bing County. After all, mobilizing the military was not something that could be done at will; preparations for food and logistics needed to be made, and the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses had to be assessed. The two parties agreed to launch the military operation in half a month.
Despite being “entertained” last night, as they left the Tuoba tribe, Zhang Bin, mounted on a horse, became serious. “These Xianbei people may become a big problem after the Xiongnu!”
Yiyan frowned, “They have contributed to the court’s military campaigns several times, and their nature seems generous and hospitable, with no malicious intent.”
“Malicious intent? They only have around a hundred thousand people; indeed, they may not harbor any malicious intent.” Zhang Bin smirked coldly. “However, those Jin people, led by Wei Cao, have given them enough ambition. Do you know? They actually erected a stele for Tuoba Yelv, inscribed with ‘Wei, the descendants of Xuanyuan.’ These barbarians dare to identify themselves with Xuanyuan?!”
This statement was somewhat harsh for Yiyan, who was also of non-Han descent. However, Zhang Bin’s expression remained unchanged, as if he didn’t regard the people around him as barbarians.
The discomfort quickly faded. After pondering for a moment, Yiyan said, “Having ambition can be convenient for manipulation. As long as the lord never weakens, those Xianbei will not dare to offend.”
This was the nature of all non-Han people. They respected the strong and bullied the weak. Like greedy wolves, they lacked moderation and obedience.
Zhang Bin looked at Yiyan with some surprise, then smiled, “Exactly. To make the lord strong is the key. However, dealing with these Xianbei people is not without methods…”
Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Bin spurred his horse and galloped away. He wasn’t particularly tall, and his martial skills were average, but the aura he exuded was not much different from those generals in Jinyang City. He was indeed the talent the lord needed. Yiyan made up his mind and calmly pulled on the reins, leading his troops to catch up.
Translator’s corner:
I suddenly thought of something…
It was mentioned in the previous chapters by Liang Feng that the only way is to go forward and not backward. If ever he becomes Emperor, wouldn’t their relationship suffer more? huhums…
Upon hearing Yiyan’s straightforward response, Tuoba Yilu excitedly stood up. No matter how much he valued the reuse of Wei Cao and other Jin people, imitating the refined demeanor of the other side, he remained a Xianbei man at heart. His fondest pursuits were still the unrestrained life of immediate hunting, indulging in wine, and singing. Now, Yiyan’s direct answer also sparked a bit of competitive spirit in him.
The group arrived outside the tent, and Tuoba Yilu shouted in Xianbei language, immediately attracting five or six robust men. The chieftain didn’t mince words, stating, “These are my personal soldiers, skilled in archery. How about a competition, shooting at willows?”
Yiyan now understood that Zhang Bin wanted him to showcase his strength in such a situation. Without hesitation, he selected a few of his best archers. Unlike the Xianbei youths on the other side, his chosen ones included Jie, Xiongnu, and Han individuals, which intrigued Tuoba Yilu.
Soon, the arena was set up. Unlike the willow shooting in the Central Plains, the Xianbei method involved bending willow branches, peeling a ring of white bark, and hanging it a few feet above the ground. Shooting the white part and catching the broken branch while riding was the top skill; failing to catch it was second; the worst was hitting the green part or missing entirely.
As it was a competition, Tuoba Yilu directly hung six willow branches, each side sending three riders to compete. This not only tested archery but also compared riding skills. Whoever rode faster and better would gain the upper hand!
After all, it was a Xianbei grand tent, and witnessing such a contest drew many people out, chatting and laughing. Some couldn’t help but blow deer whistles, creating quite a noisy atmosphere. This became another obstacle. However, Yiyan gave no instructions, and his soldiers moved forward to the challenge.
When the horn of the bull sounded, six spirited horses galloped out. Xianbei people grew up on horseback, and proficiency in riding and archery was countless. This time, the selected elite from the royal tent were all valiant and robust. However, the Jin soldiers on the opposite side were not to be outdone. Their riding skills even seemed more disciplined, as if born on horseback!
Tuoba Yilu’s eyes were sharp, immediately noticing the difference in their saddles and reins. Truly, they were warriors under the Buddha’s command, and their equipment was excellent. In the blink of an eye, several sharp sounds tore through the clear sky, and all six willow branches were cut off.
The crowd on the sidelines erupted into cheers. Many praised the skill. The Jin soldiers stood solemnly on the side. Tuoba Yilu nodded approvingly and took the cut willow branches, examining them closely. All six were almost identical, hitting the peeled white part, and everyone caught a branch.
Tuoba Yilu couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Admirable, General Yi has such strong soldiers under his command. Isn’t this an evenly matched competition?”
Yiyan also showed a hint of a smile on his lips. “The Chanyu commands tens of thousands of soldiers. How could it not be evenly matched?”
Even with fewer troops on their side, they spoke confidently. However, Tuoba Yilu, hearing this, indeed felt a sense of satisfaction. In terms of archery and horsemanship, there were few on the vast grasslands who could surpass his Xianbei people!
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But words aside, the competition couldn’t end so simply. Tuoba Yilu raised an eyebrow. “Having seen the skills of these young warriors, I have yet to witness General’s methods. Would General be willing to demonstrate?”
After comparing soldiers, it was only natural to compare commanders. Tuoba Yilu considered himself slightly older and perhaps not as skilled as Yiyan, but his noble status allowed him to invite his nephews or other prominent generals to compete, which was not unacceptable.
To his surprise, Yiyan did not respond directly; he simply said, “Since the Chanyu wishes to see, this humble general will display his skills.”
Hmm? What did that mean? Before Tuoba Yilu could grasp the meaning, he saw Yiyan instructing his soldiers to bring a special bow. The bow was custom-made, with a long and robust frame, tight sinews, with a pulling force of at least two stones. What caught the eye even more was that the grip of the bow was polished to a shiny black, indicating daily practice.
Yiyan took hold of the long bow, looked up at the sky, and walked a few steps outside the tent to an open area. It was only then that Tuoba Yilu realized what he was focused on. A southbound flock of geese was about to fly over their heads. In the autumn season, it was the time for geese to migrate south, occasionally crossing the grasslands in groups.
However, for those who lived on the grasslands, no one paid much attention to the geese above their heads. It was because the geese flew too high! If it were geese landing near hunting grounds or marshes, that would be understandable. Who would shoot at flying geese?
Just as Tuoba Yilu was puzzled, the young Jie man suddenly pulled the bowstring forcefully. The power in that draw was mighty and domineering, almost capable of overturning a galloping horse or tearing off a deer’s antler. Tuoba Yilu immediately discerned that the bow must weigh at least three stones! However, the archer paid no attention to the gazes around him. His shoulders were stretched taut like the bowstring, and then he released!
A buzzing sound echoed through the air, and the flock of geese above the camp instantly went into chaos. All the geese darted and squawked in panic because their lead goose had been shot down mid-air by a single arrow!
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Now, not only Tuoba Yilu but even the surrounding Xianbei people were stunned into silence. It was Yiyan’s immediate subordinates who reacted swiftly. They quickly rode over and picked up the fallen dead goose from the ground. When Tuoba Yilu saw the wound on the goose clearly, he involuntarily took in a sharp breath. This arrow had actually pierced through the head of the goose! From a distance of at least three hundred steps! What an extraordinarily fierce and formidable shot!
“General’s divine archery!” The Bing County cavalry standing nearby shouted in unison. The voices were so uniform and resounding that they seemed to tear through the sky. Revived by this praise, Tuoba Yilu burst into hearty laughter and vigorously patted Yiyan on the shoulder. “General Yi truly deserves to be the beloved general of our lord! Indeed, a divine archer!”
This burst of laughter immediately diluted the solemn and intimidating shouts of the Bing County cavalry. Other Xianbei men in the camp also joined in, their tone not cautious but filled with genuine admiration. What these young Xianbei men respected the most were heroes and brave warriors! A marksman who could shoot down the lead goose with a single arrow truly deserved their respect!
Putting aside the competition, Tuoba Yilu personally walked back to the tent, his arm around Yiyan.
“If the lord’s subordinates are all like Brother Yi, it’s no wonder the Bai dogs are losing miserably! Haha! With such a formidable general in hand, there’s no need to fear the Xiongnu!” Tuoba Yilu casually referred to each other as brothers.
Yiyan’s expression remained largely unaffected, only saying, “Bing County has few troops. It took two years to train them. The Chanyu’s assistance is still needed.”
A powerful army trained in just two years? Tuoba Yilu’s eyes flickered for a moment, and then he laughed, “Those Bai dogs were originally a headache for my Tuoba clan. This time, our clan is sending six thousand troops. Is that enough?”
Beside him, Zhang Bin quickly added, “More than enough! With the Chanyu’s troops, those rebels from the Bai clan will surely return to the Chanyu’s side!”
The words were impeccably appropriate. They agreed to the offer of assistance while indirectly indicating that they had no intention of coveting the spoils of war. Once the Bai clan was defeated, these Xianbei people would still be servants of the Tuoba clan, and they would let them handle it.
Yiyan also extended his gratitude, “Thank you, Chanyu.”
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Tuoba Yilu, satisfied, squinted his eyes. After witnessing the strength of these Bing County soldiers, he immediately made a decision. This was not the weak army under Sima Teng back then. In just two years, to train such a force – if given the same amount of time to the Lord of Liang, it might make the Xiongnu retreat. The Tuoba clan, adjacent to Bing County, currently lacked sufficient strength. Submitting to the Great Jin, gradually accumulating strength, was the top priority.
That’s why his older brother sent troops to assist Sima Teng earlier, and even now, with a new leader in charge of Bing County, Tuoba Yilu had no intention of turning hostile. Since he couldn’t go against them, he had to establish good relations with the newly appointed Governor of Bing County. When dealing with the weak, one could be dismissive or even threatening, but it wasn’t the same with the strong. It was better to maintain some goodwill now to potentially build relationships in the future.
Moreover, the envoy spoke the truth. After all, the Bai clan was essentially the servant of Tuoba’s clan. They couldn’t show weakness in front of outsiders, let alone allow this army to cause trouble from within. If someone could help him eliminate this threat, it would indeed be advantageous. It would be foolish not to agree to such a win-win situation!
“Nonsense! Our Tuoba clan has always been loyal subjects of the Great Jin. For such matters, the Lord can command as he wishes!” Having said all the official words, Tuoba Yilu laughed and clapped his hands. “Come! Today is a distinguished guest’s arrival. Roast lamb and prepare the wine, get ready for a feast!”
Now that the important matters were settled, it was time to properly host the guest. Nomadic tribes, by nature, were wanderers, and encounters with strangers on the vast grasslands were rare. Therefore, they were extremely hospitable. The Tuoba clan, being both powerful and affluent, took this hospitality to the extreme. Not only did they summon brothers and sons to accompany the guests, but even female relatives were brought in. The 800 elite riders brought by Yiyan were also included in the reception.
How could one refuse such hospitality? Yiyan also ordered his men to disarm and join in the drinking, disregarding military regulations for the day.
With such good guests, Tuoba Yilu’s enthusiasm rose a few notches. The feast began at dusk and continued until the bonfire blazed brightly. The Xianbei people gathered around the fire, singing and dancing. Despite the influence of Wei Cao and other Jin people teaching etiquette and the adoption of Han customs, the Tuoba clan still maintained the wild and unrestrained enthusiasm in their nature. Without drinking heartily and dancing merrily, how could it be considered a good feast?!
The clear voice of women’s singing and the hearty laughter of men blended into the night. The bonfire resembled scattered stars, covering the ground and forming a brilliant starry river. Zhang Bin was holding a wine cup, whispering with Wei Cao, discussing whether it was possible to establish trade between Bing County and the Tuoba clan. Meanwhile, Yiyan was surrounded by a group of men, continuously being offered drinks. Some were curious about the powerful bow used to shoot the goose and wanted to give it a try.
Yiyan, although a Hu man himself, the Jie people traditionally relied on agriculture for a living. Having spent several years in the Liang residence, he found this boundless hospitality, with no limits, a bit unfamiliar. Nevertheless, considering them as allies, he did not act reserved. He drank when offered, and allowed others to play with his bow, but declined the advances of a few women who came to invite him, never truly joining in the dance.
The scene was chaotic, yet Yiyan, amidst such a banquet, did not lose self-control. The alcohol here was much milder than the strong liquor of the Liang residence, causing only a bloated stomach when consumed in excess. It couldn’t make him drunk. He wouldn’t allow himself to lose control. Just as he was dealing with the boisterous Xianbei men, a faint sound of music reached his ears.
Yiyan turned his head slightly, observing a Xianbei maiden sitting near a distant bonfire, playing with a bamboo reed pipe as if no one else was around. The sound was clear and melodious, with a touch of gentleness, evoking memories of distant past events. Sensing his gaze, the girl suddenly looked up and gazed in their direction. Unprepared to be noticed, Yiyan retracted his gaze and continued drinking. However, this action did not escape the eyes of onlookers.
As the moon rose, even the most enthusiastic feast had its end. Yiyan’s steps were steady as he walked toward his assigned dwelling. However, upon lifting the tent curtain, his brows immediately furrowed. Inside the tent sat a maiden, the same one who had played the reed pipe.
Seeing Yiyan, the girl’s almond-like eyes widened, and she softly exclaimed, “Yi Luo Gui!”
In the Xianbei language, this meant “hero.” However, upon seeing Yiyan’s slightly furrowed brows, the girl quickly understood that he might not understand Xianbei. She didn’t attempt to continue the conversation but boldly stood up, opening the long gown wrapped around her.
She had smooth wheat-colored skin, a well-rounded and full chest, long and well-shaped legs, and a face that was charming and vivid. Under the buttery torchlight, she was truly enchanting. Faced with such a captivating sight, Yiyan’s brows furrowed even more, and without entering the tent, he took a step back, letting the curtain fall and blocking this beauty from his view.
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However, before he could settle, the curtain was suddenly lifted again. The girl stared at Yiyan with a mix of surprise and anger. Her beauty was among the best in the tribe, and no one had ever rejected her advances. How dare this Jie man treat her like this?!
However, Yiyan took another step back and whispered in Xiongnu language, “I apologize; I have someone I love.”
The girl could understand some Xiongnu language and paused, unable to resist asking, “Is she more beautiful than me?”
“No one is more beautiful than him.”
Moonlight illuminated his young and handsome face, and his gray-blue eyes almost turned into a deep blue hue, resembling the color of a lake on a snowy mountain.
The girl hesitated for a moment and asked with a hint of dissatisfaction, “Then why are you looking at me?”
“You were playing the reed pipe. The music reminded me of that person.” Yiyan’s brows and eyes relaxed, and his words were almost gentle.
The girl, who had witnessed the majestic scene of this Jie man shooting the goose, seen hundreds of soldiers rising and shouting his name, and observed his indifferent and calm demeanor at the feast, had never seen such a tender and soft-spoken side of him.
After a moment of hesitation, the girl suddenly grabbed the bamboo reed from her waist and thrust it into Yiyan’s hand, saying, “Take it!”
Yiyan wanted to refuse, but the girl said resentfully, “It caused me a misunderstanding! I don’t want it anymore!”
It was clear that this was not a token of affection but something the girl genuinely wanted to give him. Yiyan hesitated for a moment, but she had already withdrawn her hand, looking somewhat unwilling. Standing on tiptoe, she seemed to want to give him a kiss on the face.
Yiyan’s skills were evident; how could he let her succeed? Watching the man who even avoided cheek kisses, the Xianbei girl stomped her foot in frustration, disregarding her disheveled clothes, and swiftly left the tent as if flying.
Yiyan sighed softly. For him, such enthusiastic courtship was quite rare. But what he desired was not this. Gripping the bamboo reed, he returned to the tent. The slightly intoxicating feeling of the alcohol began to rise, and in the haze, he seemed to hear a burst of music—lively, joyful, with carefree excitement and tender, warm affection. He couldn’t play the piano, but with the bamboo reed, perhaps he could blow out the same melody.
Holding the small instrument, he lay back on the felt.
The next day, the group left the Tuoba tribe and returned to Bing County. After all, mobilizing the military was not something that could be done at will; preparations for food and logistics needed to be made, and the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses had to be assessed. The two parties agreed to launch the military operation in half a month.
Despite being “entertained” last night, as they left the Tuoba tribe, Zhang Bin, mounted on a horse, became serious. “These Xianbei people may become a big problem after the Xiongnu!”
Yiyan frowned, “They have contributed to the court’s military campaigns several times, and their nature seems generous and hospitable, with no malicious intent.”
“Malicious intent? They only have around a hundred thousand people; indeed, they may not harbor any malicious intent.” Zhang Bin smirked coldly. “However, those Jin people, led by Wei Cao, have given them enough ambition. Do you know? They actually erected a stele for Tuoba Yelv, inscribed with ‘Wei, the descendants of Xuanyuan.’ These barbarians dare to identify themselves with Xuanyuan?!”
This statement was somewhat harsh for Yiyan, who was also of non-Han descent. However, Zhang Bin’s expression remained unchanged, as if he didn’t regard the people around him as barbarians.
The discomfort quickly faded. After pondering for a moment, Yiyan said, “Having ambition can be convenient for manipulation. As long as the lord never weakens, those Xianbei will not dare to offend.”
This was the nature of all non-Han people. They respected the strong and bullied the weak. Like greedy wolves, they lacked moderation and obedience.
Zhang Bin looked at Yiyan with some surprise, then smiled, “Exactly. To make the lord strong is the key. However, dealing with these Xianbei people is not without methods…”
Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Bin spurred his horse and galloped away. He wasn’t particularly tall, and his martial skills were average, but the aura he exuded was not much different from those generals in Jinyang City. He was indeed the talent the lord needed. Yiyan made up his mind and calmly pulled on the reins, leading his troops to catch up.
Translator’s corner:
I suddenly thought of something…
It was mentioned in the previous chapters by Liang Feng that the only way is to go forward and not backward. If ever he becomes Emperor, wouldn’t their relationship suffer more? huhums…
