The Splendor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 60 Yedu
In the distance, the city wall rises to a height of four zhang (approximately 10 meters), its gray bricks and stones creating a somber and imposing atmosphere for this border town.

Xiao Yi breathed a slight sigh of relief when he saw the character "Guo" written on the banner fluttering in the wind atop the city wall.

He had been worried that Guo Xin's failure to send anyone to pick him up meant something had happened, but now it seemed that Yedu was still under Guo Wei's control.

Further on, the number of refugees was sparse, and one could occasionally see laborers transporting grain and fodder, messengers hurrying along, and a few daring merchants, but there were many more teams capturing Khitan spies.

At the city gate, the inspection was very strict. The guards were all elite soldiers of the Tianxiong Army, wearing ochre battle jackets underneath leather armor, carrying long halberds and with swords at their waists.

Xiao Yi stopped in his tracks.

Hua Nong asked, "My lord, what's wrong?"

"The atmosphere is somewhat unusual," Xiao Yi said. "But unusual is to be expected. Now that Cao Wei has arrived, a purge is inevitable, it's just..."

Suddenly, several riders galloped towards them from the inn by the official road outside the city, causing everyone to tense up.

Until the leader revealed his face, it was Guo Xin.

"You guys are here!"

Guo Xin pulled on the reins and jumped off the horse, leaving the reins unattended and letting the horse run away.

He wasn't wearing armor, but rather a bulky, thick coat. His dark circles looked like he'd been punched twice, making him appear like a weak, cold-sensitive young master.

Guo Xin rushed forward and patted Xiao Yi's arm hard, saying, "Well, you look better than me."

After saying that, he grabbed Guo Zongyi, lifted him up, and pressed his nose against the child's armpit, tickling him until he giggled before letting go.

"Hahaha, Zhan Zhao... let go of me... quick... hahaha..."

"Call him Third Uncle." Guo Xin deliberately ruffled Guo Zongyi's hair and said, "We're already on Grandpa's territory."

"You have no manners at all, and you call yourself an uncle?"

Xiao Yi looked around at the people Guo Xin had brought, but didn't see Zhang Mantun. He asked, "Where's Tieya?"

Guo Xin pulled him aside and whispered, "Tieya and I arrived the day before yesterday afternoon and informed Grandfather of the situation. Grandfather sent a troop of cavalry to pick you up, but by yesterday evening, Cao Wei and Chen Guanghui had arrived. Guess what happened?"

"what happened?"

"Cao Wei brought that cavalry unit back and said he left some good men for you, so there's no need to send anyone from Yedu."

"What's the reason?"

"They didn't tell me; I only found out this morning," Guo Xin said. "The supervising officer Wang Jun suddenly started arresting Khitan spies everywhere, causing widespread panic."

Xiao Yi roughly understood and said, "Presumably, General Guo is purging those in the army who are close to the court. We don't need to worry about this."

"There's no use worrying about it. They left Tieya in the military camp but sent me back to the city." Guo Xin pouted and asked, "By the way, Mother and Second Brother haven't arrived yet. Will they be alright?"

Seeing his expression, Xiao Yi realized he knew nothing at all. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "I don't know either. There are many women and children, so it probably won't be that fast."

"That's true." The worry in Guo Xin's eyes disappeared, and he chuckled twice, saying, "The main problem was the lack of news, which made people worry. Now that you say so, I feel relieved... Let's go into the city and talk about it. Come on!"

The group passed through the city gate passage and entered the capital city of Ye.

The city's scenery is completely different from that of Kaifeng. The streets are wide enough for five horses to ride abreast, and the walls on both sides are tall, but most of the houses are low and simple, with few carved beams and painted rafters.

Most pedestrians had solemn expressions and hurried steps, and the shops were mostly blacksmith shops, saddle and bridle shops, pharmacies, and other businesses related to the military.

A troop of soldiers carrying spears and halberds led laborers pushing grain carts through the area. The clanging of their armor and the short, powerful bugle calls conveyed a chilling atmosphere.

Xiao Yi keenly sensed the tense atmosphere in the city, yet it was orderly, busy but not chaotic, displaying the discipline and efficiency unique to a strong military-held area.

Jiang Erniang had never seen such a solemn military town before. Her face turned pale, and she gripped Hua Nong's arm tightly.

Hua Nong was both shocked and curious, and murmured, "This military bearing and imposing presence, Commander Guo is truly a hero."

He nodded to himself, as if he had made up his mind about something.

Lü You, Fan Si, and Wei Liang also put away their usual carefree attitude and subconsciously straightened their backs.

Seeing this, Guo Xin couldn't help but feel smug. He whispered to Xiao Yi, "When we get to the Marshal's Mansion, I'll give everyone a real surprise."

Having said that, he pointed out the layout of Yedu, his face beaming with pride.

The Tianxiong Army Military Governor's Mansion is located in the north of the city. It is not luxurious, but it has its own grandeur. The walls of the mansion are high and thick, and the guards in front of the gate are all battle-hardened elites with sharp eyes like eagles. Even Guo Xin had to show his credentials to enter.

As soon as the side door opened, a middle-aged civil official emerged, his demeanor composed and his eyes bright.

He nodded to Guo Xin, quickly approached Xiao Yi, raised his hand in a bow, and spoke slowly yet clearly.

"This young general has an extraordinary bearing; he must be Commander Xiao, who is protecting the Guo family. Your Excellency and the eldest son are concerned about this matter and wished to personally greet him at the steps, but alas, military affairs keep them busy and they are unable to attend. I am Wei Renpu, the chief secretary of the military governor, courtesy name Daoji. I have been ordered by Your Excellency to come here to respectfully welcome your esteemed presence."

Wei Renpu was around forty years old, of medium build, wearing a clean, slightly faded blue linen robe, covered with a raccoon fur cloak.

He had a thin face, a neatly trimmed short beard, and a calm and composed demeanor. Although he was in a military stronghold, he exuded a scholarly air and a steady demeanor.

"Secretary Wei, you are too kind. I am merely fulfilling a request entrusted to me." "The Guo family is deeply grateful for Chief Xiao's kindness in helping us in our time of need and for his support during our difficulties. Please follow me this way."

Wei Renpu led the way, his pace neither too fast nor too slow, enough for others to keep up while also showing that he was busy and valued his time.

Xiao Yi noticed that there were some undried ink stains on his cuffs and a small copper seal hanging on his belt.

During a break from entertaining guests, a minor official ran up to them and whispered something in their ear, vaguely mentioning something like "documents regarding the allocation of grain and fodder."

Wei Renpu did not stop walking, but quickly ordered, "Make three copies and send them to Generals Wang, He, and Zhao for signature. There must be no delay." The process was smooth and did not affect his ability to lead the group.

Upon reaching the entrance of a corridor, two kind-looking old women were already waiting there.

Wei Renpu turned to Guo Xin and Guo Zongyi, his expression softening, revealing a hint of undisguised pity, and his voice became much gentler.

"Fifth Sister and Yi-ge'er, you must have been frightened on the way. Please rest with these two nannies in the back garden. Everything will be arranged."

Guo Xin took a deep breath and turned to Xiao Yi.

Her bright eyes held a complex mix of emotions: dependence, reluctance, and the disorientation of surviving a disaster. Finally, she gave a deep bow.

"Deputy Captain Xiao, esteemed righteous men, I am deeply grateful and will take my leave now."

"Huh?" Guo Zongyi quickly grabbed Hua Heng's hand and asked in surprise, "Are we going to separate?"

"Let's go."

Guo Xin turned around directly.

Two old women stepped forward, took Guo Zongyi's hands, and pulled him toward the back garden.

"Brother..."

Xiao Yi looked over and saw that the child's face was full of reluctance. Guo Xin had already walked to the courtyard gate, but suddenly turned around and glanced in this direction. A moment later, her figure disappeared behind the gate.

He thought to himself, "That's fine, at least I won't have to face her when the lie is exposed."

Hua Heng took two steps, stopped, waved, and said, "Mingyan, goodbye."

"Hua Heng, my name is Guo Zongyi. I'll come to visit you later."

"it is good!"

The group then realized that they were escorting Guo Wei's relatives, and their reactions varied.

Lu You excitedly clenched his fist and waved it in front of his chest, unable to suppress the excitement in his eyes; Fan Si grinned and nudged Wei Liang with his arm; Wei Liang was the most surprised, glanced at Hua Nong, walked away from Fan Si, and scratched his head with a silly grin.

Wu Gouzi chuckled twice and whispered to Hu Deng, "This contribution is no less than Xu Sheng's, is it?"

Little Monkey gestured for silence, looked at Old Pan, and couldn't suppress the smile on his lips; Old Pan didn't care about the credit, but his eyes were also smiling, happy for everyone.

Hua Nong had obviously guessed it already, her expression didn't change much, she squinted and stared at Wei Renpu in a daze. Jiang Erniang pinched him hard, making him cry out in pain, but this time, Jiang Erniang quickly rubbed his arm, looking very sorry for him.

Hua Wan looked at Guo Xin with a furrowed brow and questioning eyes, to which Guo Xin returned a smug smile.

"hateful."

"Haha." Guo Xin laughed, "Secretary Wei, I was just planning to scare them when we got to the hall, why did you expose me beforehand?"

Wei Renpu smiled and apologized, leading the group through the corridor and a courtyard gate to a separate courtyard on the east side of the front mansion.

In the courtyard, several servants in blue robes were already waiting with their hands at their sides.

“These are your distinguished guests, Lord Ming. Treat them well,” Wei Renpu instructed. “Everything they need must be done according to the etiquette due to honored guests. There must be no slightest negligence.”

"Yes."

After giving his instructions, Wei Renpu continued, "Commander Xiao, gentlemen, you must be tired from your journey. Please rest here for a while. We have prepared hot water and food to help you relax. If you need anything, just let us know. Please don't hesitate to ask. Your Excellency is currently supervising military affairs at the camp outside the city and is unable to attend to other matters. When you have some free time, I will certainly invite you to stay."

"Secretary Wei, you're too kind."

Xiao Yi preferred to see Guo Wei at the military camp, but before he could speak, two men dressed as staff members ran to the gate and bowed to Wei Renpu from afar.

"Sanlang, thank you for entertaining Chief Xiao and the other righteous men."

"Don't worry, Secretary Wei, you go ahead with your work."

"I am preoccupied with trivial matters and must take my leave now. I hope you will understand."

Wei Renpu then bowed slowly and gracefully, turned and left with a gentle breeze. As he passed through the courtyard gate, his two advisors quickly followed, their movements fluid and graceful.

However, the brief contact did not feel rushed; the person's attitude was thoughtful and considerate.

Hua Nong's gaze followed Wei Renpu closely, lingering for a long time. She murmured, "He handles heavy matters with ease and is very tactful. He's truly remarkable."

(End of this chapter)