Chapter 088: The Sky Covered with Dark Clouds

“Hmph!” Fei Qingnu, still unsatisfied, declared, “We shall fight again another day.”

Returning to Lai Huer’s side, Fei Qingnu’s face was dark as iron, seething with resentment. If he hadn’t been careless, how could that man have slipped behind him? To lose face before the general—he vowed not to give him another chance next time.

As a Captain of the Martial Vanguard, a fifth-rank military officer, Fei Qingnu had participated in countless grand battles and endured baptisms of blood and fire, intrigue and strategy, life and death, killing and being killed. Not just exceptionally brave, he was also versed in the art of power. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have seen straight through Li Dong’s fabrication at a glance.

Lai Huer asked, “Where is this young man from?” He seemed utterly unconcerned that his subordinate had been defeated, his tone mild, showing not a hint of displeasure—at least outwardly.

Zhang Xutuo chuckled, “He is the very Li Dong of Zhangqiu I mentioned to you.”

“Oh!” Lai Huer exclaimed softly. “I knew he was young, but didn’t expect him to be this young. Well done!”

“Is he still a civilian?” Lai Huer turned to Zhang Xutuo. “Why not let him serve as a minor commander under my banner for now? When the time is right, I’ll petition His Majesty to grant him a post as a Captain of the Tiger Vanguard. What do you think?”

Zhang Xutuo smiled and looked at Li Dong, “That would depend on his own wishes.” In truth, he was reluctant to hand Li Dong over so easily. Why should you, with a mere word, take away my favored lieutenant?

Li Dong gave Zhang Xutuo and Lai Huer a calm smile and replied, “Thank you, General, for your gracious offer. I am used to being a civilian, accustomed to freedom. Should there ever be need, I will do my utmost to assist.”

Lai Huer raised his brows slightly, then quickly resumed his composure and replied indifferently, “Thank you.” With that, he turned and departed.

As he left, the others hurried to accompany him out of the rear garden. His three sons also cast hostile glances at Li Dong before following after.

Zhang Xutuo was taken aback, realizing that Li Dong’s words had been too presumptuous and had angered Lai Huer.

What was Lai Huer’s status? Commander of the Left Imperial Guard, a regional overlord, poised to rise among the top officials, holding power that shook the court. How many petty schemers fought tooth and nail to gain a position under him, striving for a good post to bring honor to their families?

Those he wished to recruit, the things he desired, he had never been disappointed. Yet today, Li Dong had given him a discount, not only rejecting him but promising only future assistance if necessary.

As a great general, when would he ever need someone’s help? Unless he suffered defeat, incurred heavy losses, or fell out of favor with the emperor. Otherwise, he’d never have need for a commoner’s aid.

With the campaign against Goguryeo in Liaodong approaching, hearing talk of defeat—such ill-omened words—would anger anyone.

Lai Huer was indeed somewhat annoyed, but for the sake of Li Dong, recently painted by the court artist and favored before the emperor, and being in Zhang Xutuo’s residence, he could tolerate Fei Qingnu’s actions but would not lose composure before others.

After they left, Zhang Xutuo’s tiger-like visage turned to his daughter and scolded, “Why are you still here? How disgraceful!”

Miss Zhang gave a nervous reply, performed a respectful bow, and scurried out with her maidservant like a timid mouse, stealing a glance at Li Dong as she went. She thought to herself that this man was not only bold but daring beyond measure, even daring to challenge the general’s authority. Secretly, she admired Li Dong’s courage.

Once his daughter had left, Zhang Xutuo sighed deeply, disappointment on his face. “My daughter is most like me—straightforward, not adept at subtlety. Though she has a fine appearance and some charm, she has yet to find a suitable match.”

“It’s just a matter of fate,” Li Dong comforted him. “A good horse deserves a fine saddle.” But inwardly, he was slightly shocked. Was Zhang Xutuo truly considering marrying his daughter to me? Did he not know about Lu Rou of Zhangqiu? Impossible. Perhaps I am reading too much into it.

Li Dong took the military token from his bosom and presented it to Zhang Xutuo, saying, “The journey to Dong’e was fraught with twists and turns. I now return the token to its rightful owner.”

He then recounted in detail all the events encountered during his trip to Dong’e, omitting the incident at the Dove Inn with Cheng Yaojin. He concluded by recommending swift action to secure the command of Dong’e, with Cui Boling temporarily acting as substitute.

Zhang Xutuo accepted the token, pondered a moment, and said, “I’ll see to this matter myself. The corrupt official colluding with bandits will not escape justice.”

“As for the Qin family’s forge, I have investigated thoroughly. They have no further worries.” Zhang Xutuo continued, “General Lai Huer has arrived in Qi Prefecture to prepare for the second campaign against Goguryeo. He needs skilled craftsmen to build warships and weapons. I intend to recommend Qin Qiong to him. What do you think?”

If Qin Qiong were to join Lai Huer’s army, even if Lai Huer himself commanded Li Dong, Li Dong would firmly refuse. But coming from Zhang Xutuo, the situation was different.

Zhang Xutuo, the most loyal minister at the end of the Sui dynasty, was fiercely devoted to the Sui court, but fate was cruel, giving him an unpredictable emperor. The chaos of the late Sui brought Zhang Xutuo great renown, but also cost him his life and fortune—a tragic hero indeed.

Li Dong also knew the Sui dynasty’s three campaigns against Liaodong all ended in failure. Though the Sui army didn’t suffer outright defeat, the bitter cold and harsh conditions meant that, out of ten men sent, three or four returning was already fortunate.

Especially during the second campaign against Goguryeo, Emperor Yang of Sui faced an event that nearly destroyed the nation. A pivotal figure was about to emerge.

If Qin Qiong went, Li Dong would best accompany him. On the battlefield of Liaodong, he could offer what little strength he had and perhaps change the Sui dynasty’s passive fate. If Goguryeo could be conquered at this critical juncture, it might alter the course of history and save countless lives.

Li Dong had originally planned to seek opportunity in the central plains. Now, it seemed he would have to reconsider.

Having just refused Lai Huer’s invitation, what reason could he give to accompany Qin Qiong? Li Dong was troubled.

Meanwhile, Prefect Ye Jishan was also troubled.

After arriving in Qi Prefecture, Cui Shiling sought out Ye Jishan, explained the situation, and implored him to help by punishing Li Dong, ideally ensuring he could not reach Liaodong to see the emperor.

Li Dong’s portrait had already been sent to Liaodong, and in his letter, Cui Shiling strongly urged that Li Dong be called to serve before the emperor. When the imperial order came, if the punishment was too harsh—crippled or missing limbs—and the emperor became furious, who would bear the consequences?

But if Ye Jishan didn’t do as Cui Shiling requested, he would offend the Cui family, the foremost noble clan in the realm. Another headache.

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t—trapped between two difficulties.

This rascal, not only offending me, but daring to tug at the Cui family’s beard, truly courting disaster.

Ye Jishan told Cui Shiling the matter was most vexing and asked for time to consider. When he had devised a solution, he would pressure Li Dong, making him retreat in the face of difficulty.