Feng Yun’s heart was slightly startled.
His gaze slowly fell upon the edge of Pei Jue’s robe sleeve, watching him steadily pouring wine, his face expressionless, then he smiled and turned his attention back, nodding his head to Hou Zhun in a warm and respectful manner.
"I’m truly flattered by General Hou’s high regard. I am unworthy of it and dare not boast. In the future, I will still need to count on General Hou for guidance," he said.
Hou Zhun was a hearty man, who smiled as he clasped his hands together in greeting.
"No single person can flatten the grass; together, we can carve a path to Yunguan. From now on, Hou will advance and retreat together with the Princess," he affird.
Feng Yun responded with a bow, "With General Hou and all the officers’ unwavering support, I dare not fail your expectations."
The two exchanged courtesies, each taking the asure of the other with their eyes.
Then, with a smile, they made their greetings and sat down, laughing and talking rrily as they drank wine and ate at.
In the wilderness, the voices of people were loud and clear, and the sumr breeze blowing along the river brought a hint of cool air, blending beautifully among the group of lively young lads.
"Is General Hou familiar with my eldest brother?"
The incident had started with Hou Zhun’s attack on Pei Jue, but the suppression of the bandits had been arranged by Wen Xingsu.
Many of Hou Zhun’s brothers had died at Xiufeng Mountain, making it difficult for Feng Yun to discern his true intentions for "switching sides," let alone be sure if Hou Zhun had any hidden grudges against Wen Xingsu and the Beiyong Army at this mont.
Hou Zhun pondered for a mont before replying thoughtfully:
"I have had the honor of eting General Wen only once, at the martial training grounds in Tai City. General Wen is courageous and wise, a master of martial arts. I admire him greatly and concede that he’s superior. Unfortunately, I ca from a humble background back then and had little contact with families of high birth, and it was impossible to forge a deeper relationship with General Wen, sothing I regretted," he said.
Such polite words, Feng Yun did not take at face value.
However, Hou Zhun’s expression was earnest and his face showed no trace of animosity.
Feng Yun smiled slightly, "In the future, there will be many opportunities to et, and General Hou and my elder brother will surely beco good friends."
Hou Zhun clasped his hands together, "Hou would honor such a friendship."
As the conversation continued and the drinks went round three tis, it was surprisingly Hou Zhun who broke the silence.
"Dajin is divided, with Yecheng entrenching itself in Xiangzhou. With the support of Ge Pei, Zheng Shoushan, Yue Wenxian, and others, they contest Xijing for power. What does the king plan to do?" he asked.
Feng Yun looked down, holding his breath.
The topic of Yecheng was always sensitive, and it was uncertain how Pei Jue would respond.
Pei Jue was silent for a mont before he looked up and countered, "Li Zongxun relies on Ge Pei, Ge Pei is Zheng Shoushan’s sworn brother, and Zheng Shoushan has family ties with Yue Wenxian. If the Lis, the Ges, and the Zhengs turned against each other, would the battle be easy to fight?"
Hou Zhun’s complexion changed, and he did not speak for a long while.
Pei Jue picked up the wine pot and said earnestly, "Just a joke, General Hou. Just listen and forget it."
Hou Zhun shook his head slightly, chuckling, "The king really scared there. If the Lis, the Ges, and the Zhengs fell out, wouldn’t Yecheng be in complete disarray? We could take it without spilling a drop of blood or sending a single soldier."
Leaning forward, he inquired further, "Has the king found sothing incriminating on them by any chance?"
Pei Jue glanced sideways at Feng Yun.
"I too am waiting for my wife to make arrangents," he said.
Hou Zhun was taken aback and then burst into roaring laughter.
Shentu Jiong also laughed along.
Feng Yun’s expression beca collected, her lips curving upwards.
She did not understand why Pei Jue would share such sensitive information with Hou Zhun.
It would have been acceptable if only Shentu Jiong was present, being the trusted confidant of her brother, with no need for secrecy.
But Hou Zhun had only recently switched allegiances, and given Pei Jue’s cautious character, he absolutely should not have been so open.
She glanced at Pei Jue reproachfully and smiled faintly, "General Hou should not heed the king’s babble. Even if I have long arms, can they reach all the way to Yecheng? What arrangents could I possibly make?"
As she spoke, she leaned over to pour Pei Jue a drink.
Taking this chance, she cast a aningful glance at Pei Jue.
Pei Jue seed completely unaware, nodding his head and finishing the wine in his cup.
Feng Yun quickly changed the subject, "General Hou is known for his bravery and skill in battle, with a wealth of experience on the battlefield. Why would you think of retiring to a life of seclusion in the countryside, keeping company with the mountains and rivers? Such a pri ti for achieving great feats and establishing a career," she queried.
Hou Zhun sighed at this question, "After these years amidst swords and shadows, I’ve grown weary and indifferent. Life is short, and what they call great accomplishnts are less valuable than a mont of laughter in the presence of my wife, children, and parents. All these years, I have neglected my family back ho. Once things are stable, I’ll fetch them to live together, to share the joy of family—that’s what truly matters."
Not part of the military, yet burdened with a debt of blood.
Where could he go to be safe? Where would he be able to enjoy family life with his loved ones?
Changn would be the first choice.
Said in such a way, it seed flawless.
Feng Yun smiled faintly, "My humble ho is graced by General Hou’s presence; it brings honor to my abode."
Hou Zhun gave a clasped-hands salute and laughed heartily, "However, if the king could cause the families of Li, Ge, and Zheng to drift apart, leading them to defeat without a fight, I would be pleased to see it happen."
Pei Jue nodded, "When the ti is right, Yecheng will be decisively defeated."
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