Chapter 898

Twenty li south of the Divine Capital lies Wa Wu Town.

When Manhai heard Jia Cong’s name, his eyes burned with heat and said: “Before I led my troops out, I asked my father Khan who the Zhou generals would be.

My father mentioned General Liang Chengzong of Liaodong, and also spoke of Jia Cong—he was among the war commanders.

Now it seems the Divine Capital’s spies have gotten their intelligence wrong; Jia Cong has not gone to war, and still remains stationed in the Divine Capital.

Duan Chunjiang is a useless fool; even this basic intelligence was botched, nearly costing us a great military achievement.

Han people are still Han people—unreliable through and through.

Jia Cong is the Zhou’s master of firearms, head of the firearms workshop; it is said all the strange and wondrous firearms of the Zhou were crafted by his own hands.

Since we infiltrated Wa Wu Town, we have eliminated every living soul nearby; not a whisper of our presence has leaked, or else the Zhou would have already mobilized their troops.

To them, the capital region should be a safe, tranquil place, yet Jia Cong still maintains such intense vigilance and defense over the firearms workshop.

The workshop must conceal great secrets—likely storing vast quantities of superior firearms, crucial to the Zhou army’s victory or defeat, which is why even Jia Cong remains in the capital to oversee it.”

…

His deputy said: “Prince, the Zhou troops guarding the workshop number fewer than a thousand, while your forces include twenty thousand elite cavalry.

If we charge straight at the firearms workshop, the Zhou will be caught off guard and unable to resist—we can seize the workshop with ease.

Once we capture their superior firearms, our Mongols will gain wings like tigers; how then could our Khan’s dominion fail?”

Manhai sneered: “I’ve heard even the most powerful firearms require gunpowder to fire—none of my Mongols know how to make such things.

Even if we seize countless firearms, they will eventually run out; stealing a pile of dead metal is no lasting strategy.

The most valuable thing in the firearms workshop is not the firearms themselves—it is the Marquis of Wei Yuan, Jia Cong!

He is the world-renowned master gunsmith; every firearm the Zhou possess was made by him. If we capture him alive, what firearms could our Mongols not have?

The workshop’s garrison is weak, and Jia Cong is present there—this is a gift from Heaven.

If I can capture Jia Cong alive, it will be a colossal achievement; we can set aside all other plans laid by my father’s orders.

If we take him prisoner and drag him north, the Zhou court will lose face, our Mongols will gain countless firearms, and riding south to pasture across the Han lands will be within reach!”

…

Manhai told his personal scouts: “Return at once to the eastern quarter of the Divine Capital and track Jia Cong’s daily routines—come back quickly with word.

Since the Lord of Longevity has favored us so, I will not squander this chance—I will capture Jia Cong alive!

If I achieve this extraordinary feat, my father will surely reward me lavishly—I ask for no land or people, only what I desire most…”

Manhai fell silent mid-sentence, suppressing the heat in his heart.

He turned to his deputy: “Jia Cong is a man of special status—a high-ranking Zhou noble. If we move against him and abduct him, the capital will surely send troops to rescue him.

Immediately prepare the troops; leave behind two battalion-sized units to guard the grain and supplies and control the surrounding areas of Wa Wu Town.

The rest of the elite cavalry must stand ready. The Zhou are always short on horses—even in their capital, they cannot field more than ten thousand cavalry.

Even if they send reinforcements, they cannot overcome our ten thousand elite horsemen. If we succeed swiftly, the entire force must retreat north immediately—no lingering, no battle.”

…

In the sixteenth year of Jia Zhao, the eighteenth day of the first month, Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard.

The sky had not yet brightened; dawn barely touched Ningrong Street as a carriage departed from the eastern mansion’s side gate, moving quietly along the empty road.

After only a few dozen breaths, the carriage halted before a black-oiled gate; the gatekeeper old woman placed a footstool before it.

Shishu stepped down with a bundle, then helped Tan Chun alight; the two entered the black-oiled gate and headed toward the inner courtyard of the eastern wing.

After the fifteenth of the first month, the Divine Capital’s government offices ended their ten-day holiday, and all officials resumed formal duties; the New Year festivities were over.

Though due to the war with the remnants of the Mongols, many key officials in the Ministries of War, Revenue, and Works had long since returned to their posts.

Yet many idle officials like Jia Zheng still lingered at home, enjoying the full fifteen days of the New Year—how busy or idle one was, only one knew.

Though the nation was at war, the Divine Capital moved as it always had, untouched by the storm of battle.

With all major offices reopening, the Imperial Academy—the state’s premier educational institution—naturally opened its doors on the same day.

Tan Chun arrived before dawn because today was Jia Huan’s first day of school; she naturally came to assist her uncle’s son.

Bao Yu enrolled on the same day, but differently: Bao Yu was officially registered as a student, while Jia Huan was merely an auditor living in the dormitory.

Since Bao Yu was the eldest of the second branch, and the Jia family stood on literature and learning, entering the Imperial Academy was a major event—Tan Chun came to observe proper rites, though in her heart it was merely an afterthought…

In Zhao Mama’s courtyard, Jia Huan rose early; since being encouraged by Jia Cong and guided by Tan Chun, he had studied diligently these past days.

Though the true reason behind his effort sounded absurd, he had genuinely absorbed some knowledge, and even began to look forward to attending the Imperial Academy.

If Bao Yu knew of such motives, he would grieve bitterly, lamenting yet another corrupt scholar in the family.

…

The room was filled with numerous small and large bundles; Jia Huan, living in the dormitory, had many belongings to carry.

Zhao Mama, while packing beside him, muttered incessantly: “You’ve never spent a single day away from home since you were born—this is your first time outside.

Though Jia Cong has arranged things for you, and he has influence in the Imperial Academy, now that he’s away at war, his standing in the capital naturally wanes.

Once you’re in the Academy, don’t think you can lean on his name; I’ve seen it these past years—Jia Cong hates such tricks.

Even if you eventually pass your studies and seek advancement, you’ll still need his support—but don’t do anything to make him despise you.

Living alone in the dormitory, don’t stir up trouble; if you cause another incident, I’ll peel your skin alive!

Just keep your head down, focus on studying, and when you’ve made something of yourself, you can act up then—it won’t be too late.

If you truly do this, you’ll win your third sister’s favor; a single word from her to Jia Cong is worth a hundred from anyone else…”

Jia Huan, impatient, snapped: “Auntie, you’re too nagging—I’m about to be a scholar; I know these things already. Do I need you to repeat them?”

His eyes darted about, as if struck by some triumphant thought; a strange smile crept onto his face, tinged with malice.

He grinned: “Auntie, don’t worry so much. If I were going alone, I’d be nervous, afraid the instructors would call me an idiot.

But with Bao Yu the fool going too, I’ve got confidence—I won’t let you down.”

…

Zhao Mama’s eyebrows shot up; she hissed: “You worm-brained fool, what does Bao Yu have to do with whether you succeed or fail? You’ve got water in your head.”

Jia Huan smirked: “Auntie, you don’t understand the trick. To avoid being looked down on or bullied, you need someone even stupider and more useless than you—then no one notices you.

This is a lesson I learned after years in the clan school—absolutely correct.”

Zhao Mama scoffed: “You’ve been loafing around in the clan school—call that studying? Don’t make me blush.”

Jia Huan paid no mind to his mother’s contempt; he continued enthusiastically: “Bao Yu isn’t just lazy—that’s nothing.

I was lazy too, but I never said my elder brother was worse—he’s not just a lazy thief, he’s also the most shameless man alive.

He can’t understand the sages’ words, so to hide his stupidity, he spends every day denouncing the ancient sages, calling scholars corrupt parasites.

I’m bold enough, but I’d never say such things; last time he was beaten by Father for falsely accusing all Imperial Academy students of being disloyal and unfilial.

Auntie, you tell me—how can a man like him enter the Imperial Academy without disaster? If I let slip even half a word, they’ll kill him there!”

…

Zhao Mama, startled, scolded: “You worm-brained scoundrel, go study—why must you provoke Bao Yu?

He’s the second branch’s legitimate son, the darling of Grandma and Lady Wang—if anything happens to him in the Academy and it ties to you, will you even keep your life?”

As Zhao Mama spoke harshly, Jia Huan remained unmoved—until a cold snort came from the doorway. Hearing it, Jia Huan shuddered involuntarily.

He saw Tan Chun standing there, her face icy, staring at him coldly.

Jia Huan quickly smiled apologetically: “Third sister, you’ve come! I knew you cared for me—you came to see me off.”

Tan Chun said coldly: “Don’t change the subject. If you have the nerve, repeat every word you just said—from beginning to end.”

I’ll go straight to Father and have his legs broken—you won’t need to attend the Imperial Academy at all, so you won’t shame him or your third brother!”

Jia Huan turned pale and begged: “Third sister, you’re just joking—you wouldn’t really do this. Please forgive me this once.”

Tan Chun’s finger nearly poked his face as she scolded: “If you dare do this, I’ll disown you—you’re dead or alive, it’s no concern of mine.

Bao Yu is your elder brother. You were born into this great family—how can you not understand basic respect? Even if you pass your studies, you’ll still be a plague upon learning.”

Jia Huan begged frantically: “Third sister, I won’t say it again—I promise, I won’t ever do it again.”

…

Tan Chun, seeing her words had frightened him, softened slightly: “Huan, you must know what’s important. Don’t waste your mind on such trivial nonsense.

You’ve finally decided to study, and you’ve gained the chance to enter the Imperial Academy—your entire future depends on this one opportunity.

Sending you to the Academy isn’t just so you can pass exams—it’s so you learn reason, understand the Dao, know propriety, and walk the righteous path.

The third brother gave you that collection of examination essays—it’s not just about the eight-legged style; it’s about self-cultivation, perseverance, and establishing your heart in heaven and earth!

Bao Yu is your legitimate elder brother. Even if your temperaments clash, you must treat him with respect. Don’t even think of scheming against him—or you’ll never find peace in this house!”

Jia Huan mumbled: “Third sister, I’m sorry—I promise I won’t touch Bao Yu.”