UCTOOT CH71.1

Zhao Shirui’s troops made smooth progress after entering the Cha River, marching forward on their campaign. The logistics team followed closely behind, cooking, building fortifications, or clearing corpses from the battlefield. Military intelligence was urgent; there was no time to digest grief. The logistics team had suffered heavy losses, but military duties could not be delayed. Shi Shu supported the staggering Song Sinan back to rest, then continued clearing the battlefield.

Shi Shu numbly carried the corpses away. Only when evening fell did he return to the logistics team. Song Sinan lay on the bed with a cloth over his forehead.

Shi Shu entered, not knowing how to comfort him: “Song Sinan, I heard the vanguard army wiped out Northern Min’s elite forces. Your brother is really amazing.”

Song Sinan opened his eyes and suddenly looked at him: “Ten thousand vanguards, a surprise attack on a snowy night—it was Staff Officer Xie’s idea.”

“He…”

In that instant, Shi Shu was speechless. He knew all this was Xie Wuchi’s plan. But the ferocity in Song Sinan’s eyes lasted only a moment: “Historically, vanguard armies rarely break into defense lines because they would be attacked from both front and back, falling into a desperate situation. But my brother still went. Only the ‘Hatred Army’ has the guts and courage to fight this battle. Others might be greedy for life and afraid of death, but the Hatred Army won’t be, and neither will I.”

Shi Shu reached out to pat his shoulder. Song Sinan muttered to himself: “My brother is a hero. He died in the right place. Can’t blame Staff Officer Xie… can’t blame General Zhao… he died in the right place… Hahaha, I want to make them die too! Now it’s my turn…”

Shi Shu: “Song Sinan…”

“If we can recover our homeland, it doesn’t matter how many people die. I’m not afraid of death… my brother wasn’t afraid either… Then let my brother and us use our hot blood to melt the ice of the Cha River…”

Shouts rang out from outside the door. Shi Shu withdrew his hand, turned, and walked out of the tent.

Beneath the city walls of Dasheng Prefecture, the siege was underway. Supplies were being transported endlessly to the front lines. Shi Shu and Du Zihan climbed a nearby hillside, their ears filled with sharp screams and surging battle cries. The north wind blew the hair on Shi Shu’s forehead messy; his gaze stopped on the chaotic slaughter of the battlefield before him.

—No game was more real than reality. Waves of people rushed forward, pushing war chariots slowly towards the city walls, while arrows and stones fell thick and fast around them. Fire and sharp blades flew; lives hung by a thread. Whenever someone collapsed limply, new crowds poured in instantly to take their place, continuing to push chariots, scaling ladders, battering rams, abatis, watchtowers, and folding bridges, charging forward without turning back.

The air was filled with the smell of sulfur and smoke. Angry shouts and screams of pain were heard from time to time. Shi Shu looked through the gaps in the leaves. A siege unit under Zhao Shirui’s command was loading cannons with shells and hurling them at the parapets of Dasheng Prefecture. Occasionally, someone fell from the city walls dozens of meters high. Shi Shu didn’t know if it was because of the distance, but staring at this scene, he actually felt a bit numb.

Northern Min’s iron cavalry was invincible, but they were not good at defending cities—high attack, low defense. For twenty years, it seemed no one expected Great Jing would dare to attack. The city defenses were lax. Now, it was even Northern Min’s annual grand festival. Suffering such an attack suddenly, they were thrown into confusion first.

Zhao Shirui played the element of surprise, giving the opponent no chance to breathe, sending wave after wave of soldiers to force their way up, even appearing on the battlefield himself.

Shi Shu: “The losses in a siege are much greater than in defense, right? Is a forced attack absolutely necessary? So many people have died…”

Du Zihan held onto a tree branch: “The dead are dragged to fill the moat. In winter, the moat freezes; then planks are laid on top, covered with grass and mud… and they cross.”

Shi Shu looked at this world of ice and snow: “Favorable timing, geographical advantage, and human unity. Xie Wuchi wants military merit, and even God is helping him.”

“Sigh.”

Shi Shu returned to the camp with him. The siege continued for days, almost day and night. Shi Shu slept in his clothes at night. This morning, exhilarating news for the whole army finally arrived.

The snow was lighter. The morning light was faint, thinly spreading over the frozen road. Shi Shu looked at the wide-open city gate, not feeling much emotion in his heart. He was clearing the battlefield with the logistics team when someone in the crowd found him, face flushed and hurried: “Young Master Xie, Lord Xie is looking for you, go quickly, go quickly!”

Shi Shu rubbed his hands: “Oh, is there good news?”

“Recapturing Great Jing’s place of imperial origin, Dasheng Prefecture—of course, this is fantastic news! Second Young Master, come with me quickly!”

Shi Shu washed his hands clean and walked up the city tower with him, thinking silently: “Good. Now that the city gate has fallen, Xie Wuchi has time. We should continue the unfinished conversation.”

Shi Shu walked all the way up to the city tower. Along the way were captives and corpses. The first thing the Wolf Arrow Army did upon entering the city was to seize defense duties, fighting with the Northern Min troops in the city quarters. People were clearing the scene. Shi Shu paused, stepping around bloodstains as he walked up.

The highest point of the city tower had been occupied; flags changed. The north wind blew the flags rolling. When Shi Shu inadvertently turned his eyes, he saw from the tower that inside the city, war fires were already burning. Northern Min troops were fleeing through streets and alleys, but the Wolf Arrow Army clearly gave no chance, riding horses and hacking with sabers. Many passersby who blocked the way were trampled to death by horses without exception.

The city was filled with screams and cries: “Spare us!” “We are also people of Great Jing!” “If you are people of Great Jing, why didn’t you flee south?” “Robbery, robbery!” “Don’t kill us…”

Shi Shu turned his gaze, throat rolling, nearly missing a step.

The person who came said: “Second Young Master, what’s wrong?”

“N-nothing.”

“Second Young Master, sit for a moment, wait here.”

Not far away, several figures stood at the head of this city’s tower, overlooking the surroundings. They were evidently the masters holding the lives of tens of thousands of living beings.

Zhao Shirui’s armor was stained with blood. Beside him stood his trusted general. To his right, the young man in a pale green crane cloak was clean, not stained with a drop of blood. His whole body’s upright elegance was starkly different from the blood-stained tower, watching the same scene of Northern Min troops fleeing inside the city.

Xie Wuchi.

A soldier reported quickly: “Report! General Feng, the Military Commissioner, learned the news of the General attacking Northern Min without declaring war. He angrily rebuked the General for starting border conflicts without an imperial decree, starting a war, and making enemies with strong Min. War will burn forever without peace. He demands the General immediately remove his armor and plead guilty!”

Zhao Shirui: “Heh, plead guilty?”

Xie Wuchi said calmly: “General Zhao, do not worry. I have already written a letter sent by 800-li expedited post to inform the King of Han. This battle is won; the King of Han will definitely support the war and explain to His Majesty. There are other pro-war officials in the Eastern Capital who will echo in unison, dedicated to protecting you.”

Zhao Shirui turned to look at him: “Staff Officer Xie, our joint action is no different from pulling teeth from a tiger’s mouth. Those old things who advocate peace—it’s time for them to exit the stage.”

Shi Shu listened, remembering what Xie Wuchi had said before.

Represented by Fu Wen, Feng Chongshan, and others, the pro-peace faction had long since divided up the court’s interests. If the young faction wanted to emerge and replace them, they could only win the Emperor Taikang’s heart by achieving illustrious military exploits unexpectedly.

This surprise attack on Dasheng Prefecture on a snowy night was the stepping stone.

After this battle, the court forces would be reshuffled, and a new division of interests was about to begin.

Zhao Shirui’s brows rose sharply as he pondered: “Only, with this surprise attack, Northern Min probably won’t accept defeat easily. Border conflicts have started; there will be war for decades to come. His Majesty…”

Xie Wuchi smiled faintly, tone calm: “Dasheng Prefecture is where the Great Jing Emperor Gao rose to power; it has extraordinary symbolic meaning. Retaking Dasheng is like reconnecting the dragon vein. This is an indisputable military merit. Who dares to rebuke is treasonous. Besides, Northern Min has been restless, planning to move south sooner or later. Border conflicts were bound to start within a few years. Seizing the initiative now is actually a good thing.”

Zhao Shirui was convinced: “Lord Xie’s words are truly enlightening.”

Xie Wuchi added: “Moreover, transporting supplies in deep winter is difficult; starting war is extremely hard. Furthermore, the strategic location has been taken; from now on, offense and defense change positions. This military merit is as secure as taking something from a bag for the General.”

Zhao Shirui laughed twice, expression returning to seriousness.

Another person reported: “General! The remnants of the Northern Min army have been captured and controlled. May I ask how to deal with the city now?”

Zhao Shirui lowered his head, looking at the hilt in his hand: “During the siege these past few days, grain and supplies were exhausted long ago. The soldiers have suffered hardships. Let the soldiers loot the city for three days, seize spoils, and vent their anger.”

Shi Shu was startled: “Loot for three days, seize spoils, vent anger? The soldiers hate Northern Min, suppressed for too long, want to release hatred? Then they…”

The soldier added: “There are still many common people in the city.”

Zhao Shirui turned to Xie Wuchi: “Lord Xie, what is your opinion?”

Xie Wuchi looked calm, gaze turning below the city tower. At this time, the victorious Wolf Arrow Army was ready to begin their carnival. A high-pressure group inseparable from death and hatred, the profession most prone to mental illness in the world—after such a long bloody battle, pain, suppression, resentment—emotions were about to tear apart.

Xie Wuchi said: “The grain and supplies in Dasheng Prefecture have been burned. There will be no grain supply this winter. Keeping the population will only consume grain. Enemy heads are linked to military merit. If we can expand the military merit, it would be best.”

Zhao Shirui laughed three times: “Zhao had exactly this intention.”

Zhao Shirui’s eagle-like eyes stared at this newly retaken city, pupils reflecting the crowd fleeing and crying in all directions, and said two words:

“Massacre the city.”

Shi Shu’s ears were silent. He couldn’t feel the cold of the snow falling on him, only feeling a bit stiff. The crowd began to turn and disperse. After occupying and replacing the defense, they would go to the Dasheng Prefecture government office to preside. The city was taken; Zhao Shirui walked towards the thoroughfare surrounded by trusted generals and guards.

Before leaving, Zhao Shirui specially said: “I heard there is a Jinlan Villa in Dasheng Prefecture, very beautiful. Clean it up and let Lord Xie stay there!”

The crowd scattered. Xie Wuchi withdrew his gaze from the city wall, turned back, and saw Shi Shu waiting nearby: “You’re here.”

His voice was gentle. Shi Shu walked with him and asked: “Did you get what you wanted?”

Xie Wuchi answered irrelevantly: “I shouldn’t have let you enter the city in advance.”

Shi Shu looked at him: “What will this military merit get you?”

“If His Majesty supports the war, the court’s team will be completely replaced. I will become one of the court’s pro-war spokespersons.”

Shi Shu gave an “Mm.” All along, he didn’t interfere with or judge others much, because since childhood, Shi Shu received only one education: be yourself well.

This thought made him never criticize or impose his own worldview on Xie Wuchi. Get along if possible—including knowing Xie Wuchi’s attitude towards sexual relationships.

But now, Shi Shu turned to look at him: “Massacre the city? There should be tens of thousands of people in the city? There should be many innocent commoners too.”

Xie Wuchi’s eyes were quiet: “Sustain war with war. Grain is scarce in winter. Zhao Shirui is a cruel soldier; he won’t let useless people live. In ancient times, armies massacring cities and burning and looting was very common.”

Shi Shu had thoughts in his mind but didn’t say much verbally. For a moment he wanted to ask: “Can you stop him?”

But the world seemed to have its own laws, and war its own laws. His words might shake Xie Wuchi, but couldn’t shake this resentful legion bathed in blood.

Shi Shu walked on the street with Xie Wuchi, looked up at the snow, and seemingly inadvertently mentioned: “How exactly did Zhang Tong die?”

Xie Wuchi looked at him, expression gentle: “Shi Shu, you know I don’t want to lie to you.”

The guess in Shi Shu’s heart became clearer and clearer: “Say it.”

Xie Wuchi said: “When I first transmigrated, I was constantly guessing the reason for this world’s existence; it was too like a game. I met Zhang Tong first. He was already terminally ill then, nearing the end of his life. I always thought I was the only one who transmigrated; I didn’t expect there were new people.”

“My guard was very high, and I rarely believed in cooperation. It happened that he was dying and had no other value. I wanted to figure out what impact the existence of companions had on me, whether it would activate tasks and the like.”

Shi Shu: “And then?”

Xie Wuchi: “At least in a certain type of game, attacking a companion would be judged as elimination. I couldn’t act rashly, so I used gentle means to make him commit suicide.”

Although Shi Shu was mentally prepared, his fingers hidden in his sleeves were still trembling: “Gentle means?”

“Zhang Tong had depression. Du Zihan was always trying to save him, to make him survive. But a person weak inside will be forever trapped in a predicament no matter how the outside world tries to redeem him. At Xiangnan Temple, you should have understood me. Human hearts have traces to follow. Manipulating hearts and controlling others’ emotions isn’t hard.”

Shi Shu felt cold inside and asked: “And then.”

Xie Wuchi: “Zhang Tong committed suicide. It had no effect on me, nor did it activate any system. But he surprised me. Seeing Du Zihan at the courier station, I realized that his suicide back then wasn’t just from inner weakness. Another reason was that he realized my danger. To protect Du Zihan, he made me believe he was alone and leave quickly, choosing to end his own life in advance.”

Shi Shu met Xie Wuchi’s eyes in the snow.

Shi Shu: “Then, you met me?”

Xie Wuchi: “Mm.”

“With me, what were you trying to observe? You said human hearts have traces. To confuse hearts, for you, just a fake smile and a tiny bit of patience can easily make people around you think you’re a good person.”

Shi Shu’s throat was tight: “Was your kindness to me from the beginning also just to keep me from leaving, to keep me by your side for convenient observation and use?”

Snow fell on Xie Wuchi’s dark eyelashes. He looked at Shi Shu unblinkingly: “For a period of time, yes.”

Xie Wuchi’s voice quickly became pleasant, became mesmerizing: “But since a long time ago, it hasn’t been like that.”

Shi Shu: “You admit it quite readily.”

Shi Shu didn’t like crying, and had cried very few times since coming here, but now tears finally fell: “I always treated you as my best friend!”

“So, I ask you, besides accompanying you in bed, am I otherwise worthless to you? Someone whose heart can be played with at will, whose preferences can be controlled, and who can be driven to death or killed in the future?”

Xie Wuchi’s lip color faded to pale: “No.”

Shi Shu suddenly stepped forward, grabbing his lapels. He suddenly thought of the night not long ago; he had even thought spending a lifetime with Xie Wuchi like that wouldn’t be bad because he was important to him. But this person, upon close inspection, really wasn’t likable. Looking deeper, also not likable.

Shi Shu said: “That I’m so important to you, is that also the result of your manipulation?! That I’m in such pain because I saw through you, is that also the result of your manipulation?! Xie Wuchi, I know you anew.”

Indeed, dislike is dislike; hate is hate.

Xie Wuchi held his hand, expression still calm: “I’ve been honest with you, Shi Shu. I know you’re angry. Can we both calm down?”

Shi Shu: “I want to leave the city. About you killing Zhang Tong, I want to tell Du Zihan. He still doesn’t know why Zhang Tong died.”

Xie Wuchi’s gaze darkened, becoming cold, biting the words as if tasting them: “Du Zihan. I’ve always wondered, if he hadn’t appeared, would you have been more obedient.”

Shi Shu realized instantly: “What are you doing? You ignored him last time, now you want to kill him!!”

Xie Wuchi resumed his smile, soothingly putting an arm around Shi Shu’s shoulder: “No, I won’t kill him. You’re frozen stiff; let’s go to a warm place for a fire first.”

Shi Shu pushed him away abruptly. Brown eyes reflected Xie Wuchi’s handsome, noble face. His wrist was tightly held by Xie Wuchi, unable to break free. The guards behind were also staring dead at his direction.

Shi Shu: “Let go!”

Xie Wuchi: “I’m sorry.”

Shi Shu: “You won’t let go, will you?!”

Xie Wuchi: “We’d better calm down first.”

Shi Shu turned his head, staring at this group of guards eyeing him covetously. Since when did Xie Wuchi’s cooperation with others far exceed that with him? Or was it from the beginning? Shi Shu thought they walked to Shukang Prefecture to treat the plague together, him stepping in the river while Xie Wuchi watched from the bank; they lived and died together, Shi Shu holding the sick him at night praying he would wake up; or together in the reeds of the Red Thread Festival in Shaoxing Prefecture, Shi Shu lying on the swaying small boat, Xie Wuchi showing him the tattoo between his legs; or… or bypassing the Dabai Ridge bandits, him carrying Shi Shu with closed eyes, walking so far—was all this Shi Shu’s wishful thinking, a scam?

Shi Shu took a hard breath, forcing himself to calm down. He began to regret shouting at Xie Wuchi, because in actual actions, Xie Wuchi hadn’t really wronged him.

Only…

Shi Shu said: “Bring Du Zihan back. I want to see him in my sight. Don’t kill him. He doesn’t understand anything, and I only have him as a friend.”

Xie Wuchi: “Are we not friends?”

The guards didn’t understand. Shi Shu lowered his voice: “Are we still friends? We’ve been sleeping together for so long.”

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