Pei Zhan led the cavalry on a relentless journey, reaching the northwestern region by the seventh day. The dust raised by the five thousand troops blotted out the sky, while two people quietly slipped into the woods behind the post road.
On the other side of the woods lay two continuous hilltops, and beyond them was a garrison encampment stationed here.
The camp wasn’t large, barely a hundred mu of barren land. The barracks consisted of just a few dozen rooms; rather than a garrison camp, it was more like a fixed sentry post.
The northwest was vast and sparsely populated, with large barracks and spacious living quarters.
At this moment, the north wind howled, yellow leaves drifted down, and dust occasionally swirled in the air. In the courtyard where Centurion Luo Zhao resided, it was surprisingly warm.
On the bed laid with exquisite silk, three people sat around the table. The person at the head was dressed in a silk robe, with a Great Zhou general’s token placed nearby.
To the left of the host sat Lian Yang, clad in simple clothing. Opposite him was another sturdy man, with a gleaming saber beside his right hand.
The large table was laden with dishes, each a mountain delicacy. Two jars of wine sat on the table, one already opened. The man in silk, holding the Great Zhou general’s token, was boldly pouring wine for the other two.
"This is a fine wine from the capital city, acquired with great difficulty, and it took ten days to arrive. It’s a rare occasion to have Mr. Lian arrive safely after a long journey, a truly joyous event. — Come, let me first toast to Mr. Lian and General Lian!"
The three men raised their glasses one after another and drank.
Lian Yang wore a look of satisfaction: "This must be the famous Yiquan Wine from Tongzhou. When I was in Dayue, I heard of Tianquan Villa in Tongzhou producing exquisite wine, though it’s a pity that most people can’t taste it.
"I never expected General Luo’s vast capabilities would allow him to obtain even royal brews like this. It’s truly admirable!"
"Not at all!" The silk-clad man in the main seat laughed heartily while stroking his beard, "I’m merely a Centurion, the lowest rank in the Great Zhou Army, without even the privilege to meet the commander, hardly capable? It’s merely Mr. Lian and General Lian’s good fortune to enjoy this wine."
Lian Yang, in a serious tone, said, "General Luo, your words are not correct. Though a Centurion is a small rank, the place General Luo guards is a strategic pass to the outside. Through the winding mountain paths, one could unexpectedly enter Dayue Country, something ordinary people wouldn’t know, but how could I, Lian Yang, not be aware?
"The saying ’a single man guards the pass while ten thousand fail to breach it’ is not an exaggeration for this place! If General Luo weren’t a masterful tactician, he wouldn’t have been posted here."
"Indeed." The ’General Lian’ with the saber agreed with Lian Yang, "I’ve known General Luo for many years; how could I not know General Luo’s abilities? I’ve recommended General Luo to my lord several times in the past, and today, I’ve specifically brought my lord here to meet General Luo and express grievances for him."
Luo Zhao listened up to here, a wry smile curling on his lips: "An honest man doesn’t speak in riddles. Given my decade-long friendship with General Yu, I won’t hide anything from you.
"I, Luo Zhao, joined the army back at Great Zhou’s founding. Through the years of war between the two countries, although I never went to the frontline, there was never any mistake at the rear, yet my rank never advanced.
"I’ve come to see clearly that the generals of Great Zhou all rose through connections and backdoors. Low-ranking officers like us might never see a promotion in our lifetimes."
"The Great Zhou Court is utterly corrupt." ’General Lian’ filled his bowl with wine from the jar, "No matter who holds power, the court is uniformly rotten, never truly caring for the people nor offering opportunities to those below.
"Truthfully, I respect Mr. Luo because he never went to the frontline nor stained his hands with the blood of our Dayue people; hence, I admired him and socialized with him.
"A capable general like Mr. Luo would never be overlooked in our Dayue Country.
"As I said before, as long as Mr. Luo is willing, promotions, high rank, and wealth are all within reach.
"Now, before my lord here, I reaffirm this promise to Mr. Luo. It’s up to Mr. Luo to decide."
Lian Yi exchanged a glance with Lian Yang as he spoke.
Luo Zhao chuckled softly, picked up a bite of food, chewed slowly, then lifted his gaze to them: "General Lian has indeed spoken these words several times. Seeing Mr. Lian today, it seems he wasn’t merely deceiving me in the past."