35. There is a problem.

Night at the Military Camp

Yue’er and the others hurried to the outer tent of General Phantom City’s camp and told the sentry to let them in. Although the general had already gone to bed, upon hearing the soldiers’ report, he rose and summoned them inside. Seeing the troubled looks on their faces, he asked with some confusion, “Is there an urgent matter, gentlemen?”

Of course there was—who would disturb another’s peaceful slumber in the dead of night without cause?

Fei Shu, looking uneasy, explained, “This is Hai Ming, here to relay an imperial edict. His Majesty commands that I lead a squad of archery experts to Little Ocean Mountain, not far from the camp, to assist the Ministry of Punishments in capturing a highly skilled fugitive. We seek General Phantom City’s cooperation.”

The excuse was barely plausible. In truth, they weren’t heading to Little Ocean Mountain; the pretense was to guard against spies. Hai Ming bowed respectfully. “Greetings, General. By imperial order, I am sent to request troops from Lord Xuanyuan.”

They intended to use extraordinary measures to solve the problem. If necessary, they would later apologize to Xuanyuan Ren. Under a wise ruler, one could afford boldness; if Xuanyuan Ren were a foolish sovereign, they might not dare to falsify an imperial decree. After all, no one is indifferent to their own head.

General Phantom City found it difficult to refuse, and merely smiled as he inquired, “How many men does Lord Xuanyuan require?”

The general seemed not overly stern, yet surely he possessed his own method of command—otherwise, he would not have risen to his rank.

Yue’er considered and replied, “About twenty or thirty soldiers skilled in horseback archery.” Immediately she sensed a flaw—would it really take so many men just to capture one fugitive? It was a poor excuse. If the general doubted them, suspicion would arise. But it was too late to change their story now. So, feigning ease, she looked at the general and said, “That man must be meeting his accomplices. We must bring more men, just in case.”

At last, she managed to smooth things over and breathed a sigh of relief. All she wanted now was to borrow the troops quickly to save them. She had no idea when Zhao Chengxian and the others would act, but if they were even a moment too late, the consequences would be dire.

The general pondered and agreed, “I shall obey the order. Lord Xuanyuan, you may take one battalion…” Before he finished, his deputy Pilie interrupted sharply, and the general fell silent. What followed left Yue’er and the others stunned.

Pilie’s voice was heard before he appeared. “General, you cannot!” Entering and standing firm, he cast a sharp gaze at everyone. “This matter is absolutely forbidden. These are elite troops. How can they be lent out? What if the enemy attacks at this very moment?”

It seemed the general feared Pilie greatly. Upon his arrival, the general immediately lowered his head. It felt as if priorities were reversed. Everyone sensed something was amiss. Yue’er began to suspect Pilie was no ordinary man.

There was no time to deliberate further. Yue’er fixed her gaze on the general and Pilie with unwavering resolve. “We must have the troops today, or you will be charged with defying the imperial command!”

Her tone was resolute. No matter what, she had to borrow the soldiers—Zhao Chengxian’s life depended on it.

Pilie stepped before Yue’er, lowering his head as if amused. “An imperial decree? Show it to me, and I shall gladly lend the troops. But if you cannot, are you not afraid I will report you for forging imperial orders?”

Pilie was like a mountain blocking Yue’er’s path. Though Fei Shu was tall, he lacked Pilie’s oppressive presence.

Yue’er raised her head, eyes blazing with determination. “I already said it’s a verbal order. Do you not understand the common tongue? Don’t waste time. If the fugitive escapes, can you bear the responsibility?”

Growing impatient, Yue’er no longer wished to argue. She just wanted to hurry and save them before it was too late.

Pilie turned to the others. “Without an imperial decree, no troops will be lent.” He was resolute.

With Pilie’s refusal, their hopes rested on General Phantom City—but the general remained silent, seeming more like the deputy’s subordinate.

Fei Shu could no longer stand it. From his bosom, he withdrew a golden token—an imperial command from his brother Xuanyuan Ren, permitting the bearer to mobilize troops at will, to be used only in dire emergencies. Xuanyuan Ren must have foreseen trouble within the army. The sight of the token shocked everyone. Fei Shu boldly asked, “Now, will you lend us the soldiers?”

What could they say now?

The general glanced at Pilie, and seeing no objection, he smiled obsequiously. “Yes, yes, of course. Lord Xuanyuan, please, lead your men.”

They left the tent. Yue’er glanced curiously at Pilie. She sensed he was no ordinary man, and that he might have stirred this trouble.

The general assigned a battalion to accompany them, but upon arrival, there was nothing—no sign of Zhao Chengxian or his companions. Panic gripped Yue’er as they searched in vain. Had Zhao Chengxian and the others already fallen into danger? How would Yue’er rescue them? And who really was Pilie?

Stay tuned for the unfolding story.