Still however helpless Luo Yuan felt, his general had already scaled the wall, so he, too, had no choice but to follow. The room was utterly still, its occupants clearly deep in slumber. Luo Yuan, observing his general’s careful movements, mirrored them also . Soon, they reached the door of the main house. A faint frown creased Luo Yuan’s brow as he recalled the previous night’s events, but some things were better left unsaid. He steadied himself, turning his back to the door, assuming the role of a diligent “doorkeeper” in the quiet courtyard.
When Shang Ji attempted to open the door, he met with resistance. His wife had truly ensured every lock was secured. In the past, he would simply have forced his way in; as no barrier could withstand him. But now, he glanced around, seeing the windows also tightly shut, and for once, he was at a loss. With no other option, he gently knocked.
Yingtao , on duty that night, was a light sleeper. The faint sound instantly stirred her. “Who is it?” she called out.
“It’s me,” Shang Ji’s voice, deep and resonant, held an undeniable air of authority. Yingtao immediately recognized it and quickly moved to unlatch the door. As she softly opened it, a look of confusion crossed her face. “Why is the general back at this time ?” She glanced up at the sky, realizing it was nearly the hour of Zi Shi ( 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM), deep into the night.
Shang Ji offered no explanation, merely stepping past her into the house. He moved through the hall, around the exquisite Su Xiu screen, and soon found Du Jingyi sleeping peacefully on her bed . The moonlight cast a soft glow upon her tented bed, illuminating her face like an etheral beauty , which was turned gently outwards, appearing particularly serene. Shang Ji, observing her, felt an inexplicable tension drain from his body.
Yingtao, witnessing this scene, quietly slipped out of the room. She began contemplating bringing Shang Ji some hot water to wash, when she noticed Luo Yuan standing stoically in the moonlit courtyard, his face as resolute and cold as ever. Yingtao snorted at him , then turned and walked away down the corridor towards the kitchen. Luo Yuan, bewildered, simply sighed. First, he’d climbed over a wall in the dead of night, and now a mere maid had given him a disdainful look. He wondered who had given her such courage and confidence to despise him so. He barely interacted with this “smelly girl.” Why was it always him who was wrong? Could it be that she was born to be a little like a heartless and ungrateful husband to him? The thought brought a low chuckle to his lips.
However, his amusement was short-lived. A new movement at the door caught his attention.As Shang Ji emerged from it , his demeanor as calm and composed as when he had entered the room . Yingtao , having just stepped out of the side room, spoke to Shang Ji. “General, the hot water is ready. This servant will help you freshen up.” She had anticipated his need for rest after such a late return.
But Shang Ji merely glanced sideways and explained, “No need, I just came back to check on my wife’s injuries. Use this medicine. It will heal quickly.” He produced a small porcelain bottle from his arms and handed it to the hesitant Yingtao . She took it, answering respectfully, “Well, I understand .”
With that, Shang Ji and Luo Yuan departed the same way they had arrived. Witnessing the seemingly formidable, foot-high wall so easily scaled, Yingtao mused that it appeared utterly incapable of blocking him . She sighed softly, looking at the porcelain bottle in her hand, a little dazed. They had arrived in a hurry and left just as swiftly.
The gatekeeper, who had just managed to fall back asleep, was roused once more. This time, before he could utter a single word, he saw Shang Ji and Luo Yuan, along with their personal guards, galloping away on their horses. Their speed was so astonishing that he couldn’t help but rub his eyes, then patted his face, muttering dreamily, “Could it be that I was dreaming at night?” Alas, his only answer was the vast, silent night and the occasional whisper of wind through the grass.
Riding hard, Shang Ji and his men returned to the camp just as Chouzheng ( Exactly 2:00 AM) approached. The same group of soldiers remained on night watch. Seeing their general’s return, they couldn’t help but comment, “General, that speed is truly fast. I wonder if the matter is resolved ?”
“Aren’t you talking nonsense? When will there be anything our general can’t do without completing it ?”
“That’s right.”
“Okay, let’s keep watching. It will be dawn in another hour.”
“Um.” After their brief exchange, the camp settled back into silence.
Back in his large tent, Shang Ji felt a sense of profound relaxation. He lay down on the wooden bed, under a thin quilt that, while previously unnoticed, now felt surprisingly rough against his skin. As he closed his eyes, his mind drifted to the soft, satin quilt of Xitang Courtyard. Then, he drifted into a deep slumber as he thought about his wife.
The next day he awoke to the first blush of dawn. In the camp, the horn had sounded early, rousing the soldiers from their slumber. One by one, they dressed and washed with swift efficiency, quickly assembling on the training ground, ready to begin their exercises.
Shang Ji, his face stern and his eyes alight with determination, stood on the stage, surveying the soldiers below. Every man was brimming with energy and vitality. They had only recently returned from Cezhou, but the two or three months of marching had served as a form of rest for them . After a quick glance, Shang Ji, amplifying his voice with inner strength, boomed, “From today onwards, the training of the Army will continue as usual, without any neglect. Do you understand?”
“Yes, General!” The unified roar, loud and high-pitched, echoed across the training ground. Even Luo Yuan, standing beside Shang Ji, felt a thrill course through him.
Soon, the entire martial arts training ground was a flurry of activity, filled with soldiers engaged in various drills—agility, sensitivity, and powerful charges. Whether it was long-distance archery or close-quarters, shirtless combat, they met every challenge without fear. Shang Ji watched their every move, with a flicker of pride often evident in his eyes. Such soldiers were the unyielding foundation of the dynasty’s prosperity. He also found joy in having such brothers who fought alongside him.
As he surveyed the ground memories of training and fighting in the Gu family’s military camp flashed before him: his grandfather, his eldest uncle, second uncle, third uncle, fourth uncle, and several cousins. Their voices and smiles still echoed in Shang Ji’s mind. In an instant, the corners of his mouth, which had just upturned, lowered again, and a cool, autumnal chill settled over him. On the outskirts of the city, the roar of the Tiger Army resounded through the sky.
Meanwhile, in Sui’an City, people gradually emerged to set up stalls and conduct their business. Around the same time, life stirred within the courtyards of the Duke’s Mansion. Some rose late, while others began their day with the first light of the sun.