Volume One: First Steps into the Martial World Chapter Eleven: There Is No Regret in the Martial World—The Prince of Liang’s Three Toasts to the Officials of Liangzhou

The Daoist of Peace felt a sense of doubt in his heart, but did not voice it. Perhaps the other person had already left without his noticing. In truth, his guess was not wrong—the other had indeed departed, but such a departure meant never returning to this mortal realm.

If one were to look carefully, it would become clear that the missing person was one of those playing chess earlier, and it was he who had posed the final question.

"Ping'an, go read over there for a while. I have matters to discuss with my friends," the Daoist of Supreme Peace said slowly.

"Yes, Master. I shall come see you again tomorrow," replied Ping'an, bowing respectfully.

When Ping'an had gone far enough, the Daoist of Supreme Peace finally spoke, "An observer of the chessboard must never interfere with the game, or he is no gentleman. But when the player himself errs, there is but one solution—to remove him."

"You are right, Master," the other four replied in unison.

Recalling the events in the room a moment ago, they were still left with lingering fear. Perhaps this was the power of an immortal. They glanced at Daoist Supreme Peace with concealed awe.

Such is the world of the martial, where a single careless word can bring instant disaster. All are adults; each must answer for his words. Even if one believes a slip to be innocent, in others' eyes, it is always deliberate.

Reason counts for little here. The world of the martial is ruled by loyalty, not logic. If there is any logic, it is simply that might makes right.

"You may go now. You know what to say and do when you return, do you not?" Daoist Supreme Peace gazed at the distant clouds as he spoke.

The four swiftly replied, "We understand."

"Good. The future holds more than a single step forward for you. Opportunity remains, and now it depends on who plays this game best," he added, turning to face them.

At these words, a shiver ran through the four. Another step forward? If one advanced further, would it not mean…

Before they could ponder further, Daoist Supreme Peace had already departed. In their ears, his voice lingered: "Go back and arrange everything carefully. I will need you in the future."

"For this game, which my fellow Daoists once risked their lives to secure, how could I allow it to be lost?" Daoist Supreme Peace murmured to himself.

In Liangzhou, Chu Min and Xiao Zijing were strolling through the prince's residence. The servants kept their distance, knowing to avoid this part of the grounds.

"Zijing, when Xuan'er returns, will you accompany me to the capital for a visit?" Chu Min said calmly.

Xiao Zijing walked by his side, ever the image of a scholar with grand ambitions, as if all matters under heaven were well within his grasp.

"When the young lord returns, I will gladly accompany you to the capital. I wish to see if the waters of that grand stage can drown you and me, Your Lordship," Xiao Zijing replied.

Chu Min laughed. "Zijing is the foremost scholar of our age."

He stopped and sat down casually at a spot, Xiao Zijing taking a seat beside him.

"My lord, I do not think that one in the capital will last more than five years," Xiao Zijing remarked.

Chu Min narrowed his eyes, watching the flowers and grass outside the corridor. Smiling, he said, "Liu Jing has long been prepared. In truth, I rather admire him—he even sacrificed his own children."

"And have you not done the same, my lord? His Majesty sent one to the Great Xiongnu—one could say for the realm, or to preserve the bloodline. It was a wager. And the letter, was it not written in hope of your support?" Xiao Zijing paused, then continued, "I know you have regrets, but our brothers once followed you through life and death. From the depths of their hearts, they respected you. I, Xiao Zijing, famed as the greatest strategist, care for none but those I choose to respect."

Chu Min collected himself and looked at Xiao Zijing. "So it is only a few of us left," he said, then rose and continued forward.

The two fell silent, each knowing the other's thoughts, yet neither spoke of them. Sometimes, it is better to ponder in silence; such is the strangeness of human nature.

"Zijing, tonight I plan to host a banquet for all officials of sixth rank and above in Liangzhou. Do you think the prince's residence can accommodate them?" Chu Min finally broke the silence.

Xiao Zijing smiled faintly. "The residence is vast; few in Fenyang could compare. Few can match your deeds, my lord. Even if you invited all three northern provinces, there would be room to spare. And if not, your three hundred thousand armored soldiers could expand these grounds by dozens of miles in a day."

"My ways can never be copied by others. Over the years, the scholars of the Wen Pavilion and the Guozijian in the capital have cursed me in secret. Goaded by local gentry, the people of Jiangnan pray every morning—not for blessings, but for the Buddha to take me away. Yet here I am, alive and well—ha ha ha!"

Xiao Zijing laughed too. "They say kings are heartless, but the people can be even colder. They curse you daily, not knowing..."

Chu Min interrupted, "Last night, Wan'er told me she wants to visit Lecheng."

Xiao Zijing's smile faded as he pondered. "Her Grace wishes to go to Lecheng, clearly to pave the way."

"I understand Wan'er's intentions. But she is already weary. When I first met her, she was lost and helpless—I vowed then to protect her for life. Now, letting her go alone to Lecheng, to pave the way for that boy, I cannot help but worry," Chu Min sighed.

"Her Grace is a remarkable woman. In Liangzhou, her reputation is second only to yours. In many places, women excel even more than men. If she is determined to go, let her go," Xiao Zijing counseled.

"The main forces under your command, my lord, are all stationed in or around Lecheng, especially the key generals. Their influence is too great. If the path is not laid, the young lord may not even have the chance to squander his inheritance," Xiao Zijing added.

"That boy! He really does wear out his parents' hearts. I often tell Wan'er—if my son surpasses me, what path need be paved? If he is lesser, what path can be paved? Yet, the more I see of him, the more I like him—ha ha ha!" Chu Min laughed.

The two then proceeded to the front courtyard.

In Youzhou, the Left Army Camp—one of the three great camps of Youzhou—housed thirty-two thousand soldiers. Its general, Yao Xiuzhi, was once a minor officer in Han, later joining the rebel army and, after many battles, finally becoming the Left Army general—a pinnacle of his life, though rumors claimed he was but a ninth-grade warrior.

That day, the camp received a secret order from Great General Mu Yunge: the entire army was to march and station at Pingcheng. This left Yao Xiuzhi deeply puzzled. Pingcheng was the gateway from western Youzhou into Bingzhou. Beyond Pingcheng, to the northwest, lay Liangzhou territory. In Fenyang, while scholars might curse the King of Liangzhou, among generals there was none who did not fear him. In the past, that king, with his soldiers, swept across the land, turning the rivers of Jiangnan from ink paintings to splashes of color.

In the end, Yao Xiuzhi decided to station three thousand men inside Pingcheng, keeping the rest camped in secret outside, observing the reactions of all sides. This way, he could not be accused of disobeying orders. Moreover, Pingcheng did not border the Great Xiongnu—there was no sense in stationing an entire army there.

Satisfied with his clever solution to a great dilemma, Yao Xiuzhi poured himself a drink.

Night fell upon the King of Liangzhou's residence. Servants and maids bustled ceaselessly.

The banquet was set in the martial grounds of the rear courtyard. Chu Min sat at the head, the princess consort beside him, and the officials of Liangzhou arranged below. The father of the chubby young man sat at Chu Min's left.

"Tonight, let us speak only of family matters, not affairs of state. Anyone who brings up business must drink three cups as punishment," Chu Min announced with a smile.

"Thank you for your hospitality, my lord!" the officials responded, bowing.

Chu Min waved his hand, lifted his cup, and said, "It is rare for us all to gather. This first cup, I toast to you all, for working together with the people of Liangzhou and toiling side by side with them."

"To your health, my lord!" they replied, raising their cups.

After a round, maids refilled the wine.

"This second cup, I toast you for serving as colleagues in the court, caring for one another," Chu Min said, raising his cup again.

"To your health, my lord!" echoed the officials.

"This third cup, I drink as a self-punishment. Though I am King of Liangzhou and Grand General, the court never granted me this land as my fief. In theory, I hold no administrative power here, yet over the years, quite a few officials have fallen by my hand, and I have appointed and dismissed many, including the current governor. For this, I drink to apologize to you all!" Chu Min downed his cup in one gulp.

At these words, the officials quickly rose, faced Chu Min, and said, "My lord, you flatter us. We will drink with you in mutual respect," and emptied their cups.

Chu Min gestured for everyone to be seated.

"There is no need for such formality. Tonight is for conversation and ease," said Nangong Wan'er, the princess consort, in a gentle tone.

The officials bowed to her.

"Xiahou Jie, I hear you have a daughter skilled in all the arts, known as the foremost maiden of Liangzhou. Did she come with you today?" Chu Min turned to a handsome man below.

"My lord, my daughter is but a beginner, hardly deserving such praise. The title is an exaggeration. She did come to the city, but is now out strolling with her peers, as she rarely has a chance to visit the prefecture," Xiahou Jie replied.

"Good, good. You are too modest. It's just a pity my son has already left Liangzhou, otherwise they could have met," Chu Min remarked.

Xiahou Jie quickly stood, saying, "My lord, you honor us. The young lord is both talented and noble. If my daughter could converse with him, it would be her fortune."

"No need for such formality, Xiahou Prefect. We can speak freely. Your daughter Xiahou Bai is indeed an excellent girl, as my lord often says. If you are willing, our families should associate more closely," said Nangong Wan'er warmly.

At this, all present were startled and looked toward Xiahou Jie. The princess consort had spoken so plainly—it was an open invitation for the young lord and Xiahou Bai to grow closer. The gaze of the officials toward Xiahou Jie changed; after all, the last example sat right there—the current governor of Liangzhou.