Chapter 248: The Han Dynasty's Twin Pillars, Secured

"Do you know what place this is?"

"The camp! This is no place for you to run wild!"

Wei Qing shouted sternly, trying to make Huo Qubing realize his impulsiveness and recklessness.

"I know this is the camp, and I know the dangers of war."

"But I'm not afraid! I will use my own strength to protect my country and family!"

Huo Qubing fearlessly met Wei Qing's gaze.

Seeing Huo Qubing's determined eyes and stubborn expression, Wei Qing couldn't help but feel helpless.

He knew he could not persuade this young man to give up his dreams and pursuits.

But he absolutely could not just watch him walk to his death.

Xu Chu, at Su Ye's side, was even more tense, as if facing a great enemy, and had already drawn his weapon.

Wei Qing turned to look at Su Ye beside him, seeing only his calm visage and deep, sea-like eyes, as if able to see into people's hearts.

They strictly restricted his freedom of movement and sent people to secretly protect his safety.

Huo Qubing gritted his teeth and said nothing.

But he also well knew Huo Qubing's character and talent, and did not want to see him receive a heavy punishment because of this.

"Please, my lord, spare him this once, considering his youth and ignorance."

"My lord, Huo Qubing is young and hot-blooded, his actions impulsive, but he has a loyal heart, wishing to serve the country."

However, the situation is now quite different.

"If something happens to you, how will I face my sister?"

He knew he could not let Huo Qubing run wild, but he also could not forcibly send him back to his hometown.

Thus, he steeled himself to speak, trying to exonerate Huo Qubing.

Huo Qubing's fate is not in their hands, but depends on Lord Su Ye's decision.

After thinking it over, if it were his former self, Wei Qing would surely decide to let Huo Qubing stay temporarily in the camp.

He knew his decision might worry and disappoint his family.

Wei Qing watched Huo Qubing's silent, speechless appearance, and a complex emotion welled up in his heart.

Wei Qing's voice softened somewhat, but still carried an air of authority.

Obviously, he was extremely wary of Huo Qubing's appearance.

Wei Qing's heart tightened; he knew Huo Qubing's behavior this time was indeed too reckless, disturbing Lord Su Ye and the camp's order.

"Do you know, this is not a place for you to run wild?"

But he also firmly believed that only through the baptism of war could he truly grow and become strong.

He felt both relieved and proud of Huo Qubing's courage and determination, yet worried and helpless about this young man's impulsiveness and recklessness.

Wei Qing spoke, his tone full of hope and pleading.

Su Ye heard this, his brows slightly furrowed.

He did not immediately respond to Wei Qing's words, but instead gazed deeply at Huo Qubing.

At this moment, Huo Qubing also realized the seriousness of the situation; he clenched his lower lip, a flash of stubbornness and unwillingness crossing his eyes.

But in the end he still lowered his head, waiting for Su Ye's decision.

"Wei Qing, do you know the camp's rules?"

"Huo Qubing entered the camp without authorization, disturbing the troops' morale; by law he should be executed."

Su Ye remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.

As soon as Su Ye's words fell, Wei Qing's heart sank to the bottom of the valley.

The camp is a place of great importance; it has always been run with strict discipline, military law is as immovable as a mountain, and cannot be swayed by personal feelings.

"My lord, although Huo Qubing is at fault, his martial talent is extraordinary; though not yet of weak crown age, he already possesses the body of a Divine General, and will surely achieve great deeds for the nation in the future."

"Please, my lord, give him a chance to reform."

However, since he is ultimately the nephew of his own sister, he still does not want to give up, continuing to plead.

Su Ye looked at Wei Qing's anxious expression and gave a faint smile.

He naturally knew what kind of situation this was.

He even specially placed the divine steed he had purchased not far from Huo Qubing for this very scene.

Given Huo Qubing's innate nature as a born cavalry commander, seeing such a divine steed...

... how could he possibly restrain himself?

Even if we don't count Su Ye's secret control...

... relying on Huo Qubing's Divine General-level martial power and his skillful horsemanship...

... how could he possibly cause such a huge commotion?

So, today's great commotion is entirely the result of Su Ye's arrangements.

He knew Wei Qing valued and expected much from Huo Qubing, and also understood Huo Qubing's talent and potential.

Therefore, since Wei Qing has already begun to hold power...

... it is natural not to let Huo Qubing continue to loaf around among the rank-and-file soldiers.

Otherwise, Huo Qubing would hide from Wei Qing...

... and we wouldn't know how long before he would dare to show his face.

Therefore, looking at the anxious Wei Qing beside him and the stubborn Huo Qubing ahead...

Su Ye's hand behind his back moved slightly.

"My lord, the humble subordinate believes that General Wei's words are reasonable."

Although Huo Qubing made a mistake, after all he is young and full of vigor, and he also possesses excellent martial skills.

Now my Cangzhou is in urgent need of talent; rather than punish him, let him redeem himself through service to offset his crime.

At this moment, in the eyes of Wei Qing and the others.

On the field, Su Ye's face showed difficulty; as he hesitated, Xu Chu suddenly spoke.

Xu Chu's words made Su Ye slightly startled; he turned his head to look at this fierce general who had always been loyally following him.

Xu Chu's eyes flashed with determined light; obviously he sincerely pleaded for Huo Qubing.

Soon after, they saw Su Ye's expression change.

"Since you all are pleading for him, I will give him a chance."

"Huo Qubing, do you know your crime?"

Su Ye took a deep breath and then spoke slowly.

"I acknowledge my crime and am willing to redeem myself through service to offset it."

Upon hearing this, Huo Qubing immediately raised his head to look at Su Ye, a flash of gratitude and determination in his eyes.

"Good!"

"Since you already know your crime, I will punish you to remain in the camp and follow Wei Qing's arrangements. If you offend again, you will surely be executed without mercy!"

Su Ye nodded slightly and gave Huo Qubing a faint smile.

You little rascal, you still can't fool me, you little punk.

All I can say is, my lord's schemes are as deep as the sea!

"I, your humble subordinate, accept the order!"

At this moment, Huo Qubing responded loudly, a hint of joy appearing on his face.

He even felt that although he had made a mistake this time, he had also obtained a chance to reform himself.

He thus secretly resolved to perform well and not disappoint the expectations of Wei Qing and Su Ye.

"Qubing, why haven't you yet thanked my lord and General Xu for their grace!"

Wei Qing beside him also breathed a sigh of relief, he gratefully glanced at Su Ye and Xu Chu, then turned to Huo Qubing and said.

"I thank my lord and General Xu for their grace; from now on I will surely devote myself like a dog or horse to repay this great kindness!"

Huo Qubing immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply to Su Ye and Xu Chu.

Alright, the deception is complete.

"System, check the attributes of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing!"

Looking at the two mighty heroes before him, Su Ye's heart stirred, and he issued a command to the system in his mind.

"Ding! Currently querying Wei Qing and Huo Qubing's attributes, please wait."

"Ding! Wei Qing's current attributes are: Commander-in-Chief 100 (102), Martial 94, Intelligence 88 (90), Politics 90 (93)."

(End of chapter)