Chapter 109: Wise Counsel to Dou Jiande

Li Dong and Zhang Xutuo were both astonished by Dou Jiande’s words, though their reasons for surprise were entirely different.

Zhang Xutuo was amazed by the sheer bravery of this rough-and-tumble hero of the martial world—willing to endure a thousand cuts himself rather than let a friend suffer harm. Such boldness and the courage to lead the world are precious qualities on the battlefield.

Li Dong, however, was taken aback by Dou Jiande’s recklessness. Dou was known for his benevolence and talent in gathering loyal followers early on. Yet now, he seemed to disregard his own life and fortune, lacking the magnanimity to endure a momentary calm and take a step back for the greater good.

To risk your life and spill your blood just to save one person, Dou Jiande—no matter your prowess, how many lives can you afford to waste? How many souls can you save if you perish foolishly rescuing more? The greater your ability, the heavier your responsibility. To act in reckless anger without restraint shows a lack of clear judgment. You have yet to reach the level of an extraordinary commander.

Suppressing his dissatisfaction, Li Dong spoke earnestly: “Brother Dou, your chivalry commands my utmost respect. But I must say a few words that cannot remain unsaid, for they weigh heavily on my heart.”

“Speak!” Dou Jiande, still fuming, seemed to harbor a slight displeasure toward Li Dong.

Ignoring this, Li Dong gazed into the distance and continued calmly: “No matter the reason, Sun Anzu committed murder first. The authorities are justified in arresting him. And you— you have a family: aged parents with white hair, a wife and young children to care for, and recently, a beloved confidante, Yan Ruyu.”

“You risk your family’s lives to save Sun Anzu alone—are their lives not precious? Moreover, you have countless fellow villagers depending on you! If you anger the local troops by rescuing Sun Anzu, consider the gravity of treason in any dynasty—it is a capital crime. If your villagers are implicated and slaughtered because of you, whose fault is that? Such sin is truly profound!”

Dou Jiande lowered his head, silent for a long while, clearly reflecting on the gravity of Li Dong’s words. On one hand, a stranger he had never met; on the other, flesh and blood—parents and family. The weight of each was as clear as fire.

Yet if he abandoned Sun Anzu now to protect his family, he would no longer deserve the title of “Little Mengchang.”

“How can I protect the safety of my entire village if I cannot even save one compatriot?” Dou Jiande suddenly lifted his head and declared proudly, “I am not that kind of man!”

Zhang Xutuo took the cue: “Your willingness to risk everything for a friend is admirable, Brother Dou. But—”

“But what? Speak plainly! Don’t hem and haw...” Dou Jiande snapped, even disregarding Zhang Xutuo’s dignity.

“Brother Dou, please, no disrespect!” Li Dong quickly intervened.

“No harm done. I am a man of broad experience; such little tricks do not offend me,” Zhang Xutuo said, unfazed by Dou’s rudeness, and resumed his counsel:

“In life, we have but one chance at living; no one gets a second. Cherish this gift. Our parents brought us into this world with great difficulty! To risk family and friends for the sake of a single brutal criminal is unfilial, rebellious, and traitorous!”

“Certainly, Sun Anzu’s wife needs care, but does that justify trampling on the life of the county magistrate? Does the magistrate not have a family? Who will care for them? Sun Anzu cannot justify murder simply by citing imperial law.”

“And you, risking your life for such a man—how foolish, how reckless, how utterly senseless!”

In his passion, Zhang Xutuo spoke eloquently, gesturing toward the heavens and earth with a solemn expression. Dou Jiande bowed his head again, while Li Dong, standing nearby, was moved deeply.

“Yes, I too am moved by your words, Prefect Zhang,” Li Dong said softly, in contrast to Zhang’s fiery rhetoric. “People must be saved, but we must consider if the person is worth saving and to what extent. If you try but fail, that is not your fault. There are countless matters in this world that require our aid, and we cannot save them all. We must first ensure our own safety and growth, so that with greater power, we can better fulfill our ambitions.”

At this moment, Li Dong recalled a reminder from General Huer: the provincial troops were soon to hold a martial contest. Those with superior skill and strength who ranked highly would be appointed positions within the army. This was a rare and precious opportunity.

Dou Jiande realized that if he gave up on Sun Anzu now and preserved his own life, he could still win a high rank in the martial contest, becoming a commanding officer. This would grant him greater power to protect his villagers.

Li Dong and Zhang Xutuo, playing the roles of stern judge and gentle guide, gradually eased Dou’s inner turmoil. He wondered if the burden of the “Little Mengchang” title weighed too heavily on him.

But once he let go, he felt light and free, with success seemingly within reach.

Sighing deeply, Dou Jiande spoke heavily: “Very well, I will heed your advice. In truth, I considered turning bandit in Gaojibo, fleeing Zhangnan County altogether. I thank you both for your immense kindness. My earlier actions were wrong—please forgive me!”

A relieved smile appeared on Zhang Xutuo’s face as he exhaled, thinking how difficult it was to shave this man’s head.

Li Dong hurried forward to help him up, praising warmly: “To acknowledge one’s mistake is the greatest virtue! You are still my good brother!”

He marveled inwardly at having altered Dou Jiande’s resolve. What seemed a small matter—rescuing Sun Anzu—was in fact fraught with far-reaching consequences affecting Dou’s future in establishing the Great Xia Kingdom. Thankfully, they finally stopped him.

Standing, Dou Jiande respectfully bowed to Zhang Xutuo: “Thank you, Prefect Zhang, for sparing my life. But I still wish to see Sun Anzu off, to give him peace on his journey and ease my own guilt.”

Zhang Xutuo frowned inwardly, thinking how greedy and unreasonable Dou was—after risking his life to save him, Dou now wanted to expose himself again to bid farewell to a criminal. Yet it was inconvenient to say so outright, so he glanced at Li Dong.

Li Dong immediately understood, grasping Dou Jiande’s arm and advising: “Don’t trouble Prefect Zhang any further. You are still an accomplice and should keep a low profile. Come with me to General Huer’s camp and hide. No one will find you there.”

“We will soon march to Liaodong, far from home. Over time, people will forget. Then, when we have achieved glory and returned in splendor, no one will dare mention this matter again.”

Dou Jiande hesitated but finally nodded with a sigh: “I will follow your wise counsel. I hope to win the martial contest and then fight on the battlefield, bearing the weight of my crimes.”

“Well done! That’s the spirit of my good brother!” Li Dong praised, thumbs raised.

In truth, this event gave Li Dong a comprehensive and profound understanding of Dou Jiande’s character. To ensure his plans could proceed smoothly, he resolved to suppress Dou’s ambitions with a carefully tailored strategy—bold and cunning, unfolding silently and unseen.

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