Chapter 26: Famous General

For Liu Chengyou, discovering Yang Ye was certainly gratifying, but not to the point of ecstasy. Before he had reliable military achievements to prove his worth, he was merely a squad leader, at most soon to become a "centurion."

In this era, generals were basically forged through battle. Too many people, relying on sheer brute courage, fearing neither death nor hardship, plus a bit of luck, managed to survive—and those were called "famous generals."

Yang Ye, compared to those brash warriors, certainly had the bearing of a famous general and the brilliance of a commander. But whether he could fight his way up as he did "in history," Liu Chengyou would wait and see. Generals inevitably die in battle—who could say, perhaps some accident might occur, and Yang Ye would meet an untimely end halfway?

Over on Yang Ye's side, he returned to the camp beneath the eastern barbican with a grave expression. It was not their command's turn on duty, so his comrades were all inside the barracks—some washing their military robes, some sharpening their blades, some practicing martial arts, some gathered in small groups chatting idly, and some simply sleeping on their bunks...

Yang Ye silently walked to his own bunk, sat down cross-legged, drew the long sword from his waist, and carefully wiped it. The sword was naturally a fine blade, a gift from his father, and over the years it had tasted much blood.

The gleaming blade reflected Yang Ye's eyes—calm and composed—but on his sharply defined face, the look of deep thought grew ever heavier.

Yang Ye was something of a notable figure in this camp—young in age, extraordinarily skilled in martial arts, quick-witted, yet rigid in handling affairs. Though he was a thorn in the side of his superiors, among the common soldiers, Yang Ye's reputation was quite good; many were impressed by his wisdom, courage, and character.

His demeanor immediately drew the attention of others. The Captain brought two soldiers over, sat down beside his bunk, and asked curiously: "Yang Chonggui, I heard you were summoned by a noble person—what was it about?"

Yang Ye glanced up at the Captain, and from his gaze, he could sense a hint of concern. Shaking his head, Yang Ye replied: "Nothing much. The Second Prince summoned me and invited me to a meal."

The Captain immediately wore a look of disbelief: "Don't joke with me. What status does His Highness the Prince hold? Why would he specifically invite a mere squad leader like you to dinner?"

"Then you tell me—why would the Second Prince go out of his way to invite this mere squad leader to his residence?" Yang Ye's expression had already relaxed as he countered.

"This..."

"Squad Leader, what the Prince invited you to eat must surely have been delicacies of the mortal world!" At this moment, a young soldier beside them asked excitedly.

Glancing at him, Yang Ye couldn't help but recall that "simple meal" he'd shared with Liu Chengyou. Thinking of Liu Chengyou's cold face, Yang Ye couldn't suppress a hint of goodwill rising in his heart, and a slight smile curved at the corners of his mouth: "What His Highness hosted was naturally delicacies from mountain and sea, treasures of jade and pearl..."

Taking a breath, Yang Ye suddenly regained his calm composure, stood up, and began tidying his belongings.

"What are you doing?" Seeing this, the Captain asked with furrowed brows.

"Captain Zhang!" Turning to look at the Captain, Yang Ye said: "I've been transferred to serve in the Longqi Army!"

"The Longqi Army?" This Captain Zhang wasn't a fool; it didn't take him long to catch on: "So the Prince summoned you—this must be the reason!"

Yang Ye nodded.

Captain Zhang immediately slapped Yang Ye on the shoulder and sighed with emotion: "I don't know where you got such fortune, being favored by the Second Prince. I always knew you, Yang Chonggui, were no ordinary man. Now that the Prince has taken a liking to you, when you rise to wealth and honor in the future, don't forget your brothers..."

Yang Ye smiled faintly: "Captain Zhang has always looked after Yang Ye well; I naturally won't forget."

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Fifty li southeast of Jinyang, bordering the Dongguo River to the north, lay the small town of Yuci. Situated on the Jinzhong Plain, though lacking strategic natural defenses, it bordered Qingyuan to the west, Shouyang to the east, and Taigu to the south—it could be considered a transportation hub.

Most importantly, being so close to the prefectural seat of Jinyang, it was known as the "Gateway to Jinyang." Since Liu Zhiyuan took control of Hedong, it had been peaceful for several years. The county's people were not wealthy, but they enjoyed tranquil days—which, in an era rife with war and chaos, was extremely fortunate.

The rammed-earth town was not large, a typical three-li walled city. In a small lane in the southeast corner of the town sat a residence—not particularly grand, but judging by its gate, it was clearly the home of an official family. From the characters carved on the plaque, one could tell the master of the house bore the compound surname "Murong."

Accompanied by a few "whinnies," the crisp sound of hoofbeats broke the quiet of the lane. Two riders approached at a leisurely pace; the one in the lead glanced up at the gate plaque, dismounted nimbly, stepped forward, and grasped the door knocker to rap firmly.

Before long, the door slowly opened, and half a body poked out—dressed as a servant. Eyeing the two men with suspicion, the gatekeeper asked: "Who are you?"

"Is this the home of Murong Yanzhao?" the lead rider asked directly.

"It is!" The gatekeeper nodded, then continued: "Where do you come from, and what business do you have with my master?"

Receiving confirmation, the leader's expression relaxed, and he announced in a loud voice: "We are personal guards of General Guo Wei, Chief Clerk of the Han and Barbarian Infantry and Cavalry. The Prince of Beiping has ascended the throne and wishes to summon the heroes of the realm to campaign against the Khitan. The General has heard that your master is brave and resolute, and has come specifically to invite him!"

Hearing their purpose, the gatekeeper smiled and shook his head.

"What do you mean by that?" one of Guo Wei's guards asked in puzzlement.

"You've come too late!" The gatekeeper pointed north and explained: "Yesterday, soldiers came and took my master away."

Hearing this, the two exchanged glances and pressed further: "May we ask, young man, do you know who took your master away?"

The gatekeeper replied: "From what the visitors said, it seemed to be someone of 'His Highness'..."

The visitors were taken aback. Only after entering to pay respects to the mistress of the Murong household did they confirm that the man they sought had indeed been invited to Jinyang by the "Second Prince." Helpless, the two riders had no choice but to gallop back to report.

At the Guo residence in Jinyang, upon learning the outcome from the returning guards, Guo Wei's face once again showed an involuntary look of surprise. Liu Chengyou's aloof face surfaced in his mind, and he sighed inwardly with boundless emotion: This Second Prince truly is no ordinary man!

"General!"

The guard's call snapped Guo Wei back to his senses. He sighed, waved a hand at him: "You've worked hard. Let this matter rest—withdraw!"

After the guards withdrew, Guo Wei sank back into thought. After a long while, he finally let it go, muttering to himself: "First my son, then Murong Yanzhao—this Second Prince truly has remarkably keen eyes!"

In the evening, Liu Zhiyuan suddenly summoned him, intending to hold a military council. Liu Chengyou answered the summons and entered the palace. Coincidentally, at the Taiyuan palace gates, Liu Chengyou and Guo Wei arrived almost simultaneously.

"Your Highness!"

"General Guo!"

"Allow me to congratulate Your Highness!" After exchanging greetings, Guo Wei said with a light laugh.

"What congratulations are due?" Liu Chengyou was somewhat puzzled.

Guo Wei said: "Congratulations to Your Highness on acquiring a new talent of command!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's cold expression barely changed, but his eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced sidelong at Guo Wei, a chill running through his heart: Is this man secretly watching me?

Liu Chengyou assumed that the "talent of command" Guo Wei referred to was Yang Ye.

Just as he was about to say something, he heard Guo Wei speak slowly: "That Murong Yanzhao comes from a military family, brave and capable, with a renowned reputation. I had long wished to recruit him. But to serve under Your Highness's command is also his fortune!"

Only then did Liu Chengyou understand. The coldness on his face eased somewhat as he waved a hand casually: "I only learned of Murong Yanzhao's name by chance. The new dynasty has just been established, the realm is not yet settled—this is precisely the time to employ talent. Since even General Guo has his eye on him, then I must give him important use. I have great faith in your judgment of men, General!"

"Your Highness's judgment of men is also something this humble officer admires!" Guo Wei replied.