Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 134 3 Capture 3 Release

The makeshift camp was set up in a sheltered mountain hollow, with several tents surrounding a small campfire, the air filled with the scent of herbs. The Starfire Fortress's medics skillfully cleaned and bandaged the wounds of the injured guards, distributing oral medications. Steaming hot millet porridge and roasted meat patties were served, warming the still-shaken and chilled group.

Jia Wen sat by the fire, wrapped in a thick blanket, holding a bowl of hot porridge, but remained motionless for a long time. The firelight reflected on his thin, pale face, highlighting the complex and unfathomable light in his narrow eyes. The relief of being rescued had long since cooled, replaced by a deeper chill and a sense of powerlessness. Chen Xing's men were not only ever-present, but they also appeared like divine intervention in the most critical moments. This control was almost supernatural. He had saved him, and these loyal subordinates who had followed him for years; this "gratitude" weighed heavily on him, almost suffocating him.

"Sir, the porridge is getting cold," a less seriously injured guard whispered a reminder.

Jia Wen snapped out of his reverie, forced a few sips of his drink, which tasted like cardboard. Looking at the guards around him, exhausted but somewhat revitalized by timely medical treatment and a good meal, a mix of emotions welled up inside him. They had followed him, enduring a life of constant displacement and uncertainty; while Chen Xing… perhaps he really could offer them a stable home, a position where they could utilize their talents? Once this thought took root, it was as difficult to suppress as weeds.

However, was Jia Wenhe someone who would easily submit to others? Especially not in such a way that was almost like being "domesticated" and "manipulated"? Could his pride and his wisdom be so easily worn down?

"Mr. Jia," the gray-clad leader approached respectfully, "the brothers' injuries have stabilized, and their lives are no longer in danger. The camp's supplies can last for a few more days. Our lord has instructed that you and your companions are free to leave or stay as you see fit. If you need travel expenses or directions, we can provide them. May I ask what your plans are next?"

"Go or stay as you see fit..." It was that same phrase again. Jia Wen sneered inwardly. He raised his head, his gaze calmly meeting the gray-clad leader's: "Please convey my gratitude to General Chen for saving my life and for his generous gifts. I... wish to visit Youzhou. I have yet to experience the scenery of the North."

He chose to reveal his true destination partly as a test, and partly perhaps as a last shred of stubbornness—"Aren't you, Chen Xing, supposed to be all-knowing and all-caring? I want to see if you're truly letting me go, or if you have ulterior motives."

The gray-clad leader showed no change in expression, simply nodding: "Youzhou is a long and unsafe journey. Since you have already made your decision, I cannot force you to stay. Please accept these provisions, water, medicine, and some items for self-defense. Also, about a hundred miles to the northeast, there is a 'Flying Swallow Pass,' one of the main routes out of the mountains to Youzhou, but I have heard it is not very safe recently, often occupied by fierce bandits. If you choose to take that route, please be extra careful." He described in detail another, more circuitous but supposedly safer route and presented a rough hand-drawn map.

The information is detailed, the advice is sincere, and the gifts are practical; it remains an impeccable "gift-giving" approach.

Jia Wen silently accepted the items and thanked him again, but the initial hesitation in his heart transformed into deeper confusion and a vague unease. What exactly did Chen Xing want to do?

After resting for several days, Jia Wen, along with his guards whose injuries had improved, carrying the supplies provided by Starfire Fortress, set off again following the "safe route" provided by the gray-clad leader. This time, they walked more slowly and were more vigilant, observing their surroundings for signs of being followed or monitored with almost every step. However, the mountains and fields were silent, with nothing unusual except for the sounds of birds and beasts. It seemed that the gray-clad men had truly vanished completely after they chose to leave.

This "freedom" only made Jia Wen's nerves tauter. He increasingly felt as if he were on a giant, invisible chessboard, with the player hiding behind the clouds, quietly watching him, the piece, move to a predetermined position.

After traveling for another seven or eight days, they finally approached the edge of the mountain range. The terrain ahead suddenly opened up, revealing gentle hills and the faint outlines of farmland and villages in the distance. Youzhou seemed to be in sight. A long-lost sense of relaxation appeared on the faces of the guards; the oppression and vigilance of the past few days seemed to ease slightly.

At midday that day, they followed a worn path through the last sparse patch of woodland, where a narrow but clearly man-made dirt road came into view. Fresh wheel ruts and hoofprints indicated that this road was frequently used by pedestrians and vehicles. This meant that they had finally left the desolate wilderness and entered a relatively "civilized" area.

"Sir, there's a road ahead! We've made it out!" a guard exclaimed excitedly.

Jia Wen breathed a sigh of relief and was about to speak when suddenly, from around the bend in the road ahead, came a series of crisp and rhythmic hoofbeats, approaching from afar. The number of people seemed small, but the synchronized hoofbeats indicated they were well-trained.

The tension that had just eased was immediately restored, and everyone quickly retreated into the shadows of the roadside woods, holding their breath and watching.

Soon, a small troop of cavalry rounded the bend and appeared on the dirt road. About twenty riders, all clad in uniform light black armor, covered by dark blue cloaks, with standard crossbows and ring-pommel swords hanging beside their saddles, formed a disciplined column, exuding an air of menace as they moved. The lead rider, particularly tall and composed, was none other than Chen Wei, Chen Xing's top general!

Chen Wei reined in his horse, his sharp gaze sweeping across the woods by the roadside, as if he already knew there were people there. He raised his hand, and the cavalry behind him stopped in unison.

Jia Wen's heart sank to the bottom. His last shred of hope vanished. Chen Xing not only knew his route, but also calculated the exact time and place he would leave the mountains, and even sent a key figure like Chen Wei to "wait" for him! This wasn't "at his own discretion," it was clearly complete control!

Chen Wei dismounted and walked alone to the edge of the woods. Facing the direction where Jia Wen was hiding, he clasped his hands and said loudly, "Mr. Jia Wen, this humble general is Chen Wei. I have been waiting here for three days on the orders of my lord. My lord said that the journey through the mountains and fields must be arduous, and that you must be tired from your journey. Therefore, he specially ordered me to come and invite you to rest at 'Guiyun Post Station' ten miles ahead. My lord is already waiting at the post station and wishes to have a drink and a chat with you. He has no other intentions."

The tone remained respectful, but the phrases "we have been waiting for three days" and "our lord is waiting at the post station" carried an unquestionable implication. This time, even the polite phrase "it is up to you to go or stay" was omitted; the speaker directly "invited" the speaker to see the lord.

Jia Wen slowly emerged from his hiding place, his face expressionless, only showing deep weariness and a resigned calm. He looked at Chen Wei, and at the twenty silent yet elite cavalrymen, knowing that this time, there was no way to avoid it. The other side had "invited" him with the highest honors of Chen Wei personally welcoming him and their lord awaiting him; if he refused again, it would be a complete breakdown in relations, and his side would have no chance of winning.

"General Chen... is truly a master strategist." Jia Wen's voice was dry. "I... am unworthy of such praise, troubling the General and Lord Chen with such concern."

Chen Wei remained unmoved: "Sir, you are a man of great talent. My lord is eager to find a worthy man and has been thinking of you. Therefore, he ordered me to 'invite' you here. I apologize for my previous presumption, but it was out of necessity. I hope you will forgive me. Please mount your horse." He waved his hand, and a cavalryman behind him led a sturdy horse with a saddle and bridle up to him.

Jia Wen remained silent for a moment, then looked back at the guards behind him, whose expressions were complex but whose eyes also revealed a sense of relief. Finally, he let out a long sigh.

"Very well... Please, General Chen, lead the way."

He stopped struggling and mounted his horse. The guards also silently mounted their horses and followed Chen Wei's cavalry, heading along the dirt road towards the so-called "Guiyun Post Station".

The ten-mile journey was completed in the blink of an eye. The so-called "Guiyun Post Station" was actually a small post station that had been abandoned for a long time and had just been urgently renovated. At the entrance of the post station, Chen Xing stood with his hands behind his back. He was still dressed in a simple scholar's robe, with a gentle smile on his face, watching Jia Wen ride up on horseback accompanied by Chen Wei, as if he had really just happened to meet an old friend here.

Jia Wen dismounted and stopped a few steps in front of Chen Xing. Looking at the young yet composed face of the other man, Jia Wen was filled with mixed emotions. Finally, he bowed deeply and said, "Jia Wen, a defeated general and a fugitive, pays his respects to General Chen. General... your methods... I am convinced."

This time, instead of calling him "Lord of the Fortress," he used the more formal "General." The distance and resistance in his tone had largely dissipated, replaced by a complex mix of awe, admiration, and even a hint of resignation.

Chen Xing stepped forward and personally helped Jia Wen up, saying sincerely, "Mr. Wenhe, please don't do this! All that happened before was because I, Chen Xing, was eager to see your talent and feared that you would be harmed by villains, so I resorted to this desperate measure. I hope you will forgive my rudeness and offense! I, Chen Xing, apologize to you!" As he spoke, he also bowed.

Given Chen Xing's current status as the overlord of the North, his courteous treatment of a fugitive who had repeatedly refused him, and even his public apology, is enough to move anyone with a modicum of integrity.

Jia Wen quickly stepped aside, his last vestiges of resentment and unwillingness vanishing in the face of the other's genuine sincerity. He smiled wryly and said, "General, you flatter me. Your strategies are flawless, your kindness and righteousness have rescued me from danger and treated me with great generosity in my time of need. If I were to remain stubborn and unyielding, wouldn't I be defying fate and courting my own destruction?"

He raised his head, looking directly at Chen Xing, and for the first time, a clear determination appeared in his narrow eyes: "Jia Wen has wandered half his life without encountering a wise ruler. Han Sui is petty and suspicious, not a trustworthy person. Now, thanks to General's kindness in not abandoning me, capturing and releasing me three times, and treating me with the country, I, Jia Wen, will never forget this life-saving grace and the kindness shown to me! If General does not mind my lack of talent and my eccentric temperament, Jia Wen is willing to serve General as my master! I will do my utmost to serve you! Heaven and earth can bear witness to this heart, and if I utter any falsehood, may gods and men punish me!"

After speaking, he straightened his clothes, took three steps back, and solemnly performed a deep bow—this time, a true bow of submission.

Chen Xing's face lit up with undisguised joy. He stepped forward again to support Jia Wen's arms and squeezed them firmly: "With Wenhe by my side, I am like a fish in water, a tiger with wings! Please rise! A small feast has been prepared at the post station. Today, let us drink heartily together and reminisce about our life together!"

After three captures and three releases, his true feelings were finally revealed. He intimidated him with force, won him over with kindness, moved him with sincerity, and treated him with courtesy. With an almost obsessive approach, Chen Xing finally brought this "lone pawn," known for its "poison" but also containing astonishing energy, firmly into his game.

With the addition of Jia Wenhe, the strategist's loyalty is greatly enhanced. The political landscape of the North will undoubtedly become even more unpredictable and... even more turbulent and magnificent with his arrival.