Chapter 107: Guardian of the Eastern Capital

On the rocky ground by the riverbank, several people gathered around a horse, pointing and discussing.

The horse stood proud and spirited, constantly pawing at the ground, producing sharp, crisp sounds.

From time to time, it snorted through its nostrils and danced on its hooves. If not for the person holding the reins tightly, it would have long since bolted.

“I certainly don’t dare to ride,” Wei Renshi took a step back and said. “I’ve never truly ridden a horse before, and with all these uneven stones of various sizes, I’d definitely be thrown off.”

“I’m just an old man; I can’t ride,” Scholar Zhang shook his head. “If I were twenty years younger, I would have tamed fierce horses and drawn mighty bows without fear.”

Wei Renshi secretly scoffed. Taming fierce horses and drawing mighty bows? Impossible.

“In that case, let me try!” Liu Yuxi stepped forward and reached for the saddle.

“Young master, let me do it instead,” Dog Two suddenly spoke from behind Wei Renshi.

The horse handler, Old Shi, quickly nodded in agreement. “Yes, young master, let Dog Two try.”

“I’ve served in the military; I can ride,” Dog Two glanced at the three men, then hesitated before saying, “You gentlemen…”

“Oh? Very well, let this young fellow try,” Scholar Zhang immediately agreed before Wei Renshi could respond.

Dog Two took the reins from Old Shi, stepped into the stirrup, and with a strong push, swung himself up onto the horse’s back.

Then, pulling the reins and squeezing the horse’s calves, the horse suddenly dashed forward.

The rocky terrain was uneven, with stones large and small, sharp and slick, scattered everywhere. Yet Dog Two rode faster and faster until he vanished from sight.

“Look around—if only we could gather water here, what a wonderful sight that would be,” Wei Renshi said, pointing to the river channel ahead.

“When you succeed with this, you won’t have to endure the oppression of the prefecture anymore,” Scholar Zhang said.

Wei Renshi smiled. “Since I’ve committed, there’s no turning back. The riverbank must be repaired.”

“Repairing the riverbank is no small matter; it could bring down your Yimeng Tower,” Scholar Zhang cautioned.

“Not at all,” Wei Renshi replied. “I can both repair the riverbank and profit greatly. The prefecture has promised that if I repair the embankment, I may build some of my own structures on it. Once the embankment is done, even if they want to renege, they won’t be able to.”

“How do you know they won’t back out?” Scholar Zhang asked.

“That depends on whether I have the ability to secure a noble title by then,” Wei Renshi smiled.

Scholar Zhang pondered, then said, “Indeed. With your improvements to farming tools, your method of damming silt and reclaiming wasteland, plus these horseshoes... In my view, you might become the youngest self-made noble since our dynasty’s founding.”

“Thank you for your kind words,” Wei Renshi laughed.

At that moment, a crisp, metallic thud echoed from afar. A dark speck appeared in the distance, growing larger as it approached.

Soon Dog Two returned, riding the horse swiftly back to Wei Renshi and the others. Pulling the reins, he stopped and dismounted with a flip.

Before he could speak, Scholar Zhang and Liu Yuxi bent down to examine the horse.

Old Shi quickly held the horse, and Dog Two grabbed its leg to prevent it from kicking.

“Indeed, no harm done!” Scholar Zhang’s face lit up with joy; Liu Yuxi was equally excited.

“Reporting, young master, I deliberately rode over the sharpest, most jagged stones, yet the horseshoes show no wear at all!” Dog Two said excitedly to Wei Renshi.

“Excellent, excellent!” Scholar Zhang looked at the horse with eyes like an old bachelor seeing a young bride, reaching out to stroke it.

“Boy, prepare yourself well tonight. Tomorrow you will accompany me to meet an old acquaintance,” Scholar Zhang said solemnly. “Bring this horse with you.”

“May I ask, Scholar Zhang, whom do you wish to see?” Wei Renshi noticed his serious tone and straightened up.

“The Defender of the Eastern Capital, Wang Hong,” Scholar Zhang replied.

“General Wang?!” Old Shi’s eyes brightened. “Young master, it is said that General Wang is fierce and wise, strict with his troops. I’ve heard that during his time in the rivers, to enforce discipline and prevent reckless acts by arrogant soldiers, he executed troublemakers on the spot—killing one to warn a hundred. The rivers became peaceful, and the army’s unruly spirit vanished. If General Wang intervenes, young master, great success is assured!”

Scholar Zhang looked at Old Shi with mild surprise. “Your retinue seems well-informed.”

“Retinue? They’re more like family,” Wei Renshi smiled. “I’ve learned a lot from Uncle Shi.”

This made Old Shi and Dog Two beam with gratitude. Scholar Zhang chuckled. “Indeed, if we can secure General Wang’s support tomorrow, your hopes for official nobility will be much closer.”

Liu Yuxi frowned and asked, “General Wang protected His Majesty during the Jingyuan campaign and safely returned him to Chang’an, earning the emperor’s deep trust. If the general speaks on your behalf, the emperor will surely reward you generously. But the general is old now and has long withdrawn from court affairs. I wonder if he will take the trouble for this matter?”

Scholar Zhang shook his head. “General Wang, as Defender of the Eastern Capital, despite his age and fading eyesight, has opened more than twenty new farms, procured fine iron for weapons, trained soldiers for war, and restored military order and discipline. He still dedicates himself wholeheartedly to the nation. This matter is of great importance; he will not ignore it.”

Then Scholar Zhang turned to Wei Renshi. “Prepare yourself well tomorrow. General Wang dislikes frivolous or reckless people and those who do not follow protocol. When you meet him, be sure to speak properly and remember this!”

Wei Renshi nodded. “Rest assured, Scholar Zhang, I understand.”

“This horse will stay at the Jixian Hall Academy. After you return, I will send guards to watch over the blacksmith’s shop,” Scholar Zhang added. “This matter must remain secret for now. Also, don’t nail horseshoes onto your own horses yet. Though I need not say it, I trust you understand.”

Wei Renshi nodded. “Do you know if General Wang has any preferences? I’d rather not arrive empty-handed.”

“This item is of great use in the military; it will be the best gift,” Scholar Zhang said.

A military advantage... the thought immediately raced through Wei Renshi’s mind.

To have access to someone so trusted by the emperor, whose word carries weight at court, is rare. This opportunity must not be missed.