BMN : Chapter 41

As Jin Yi prepared for the expedition, Xinyue led Bailu and the other maids to carefully pack his belongings. Since the northwest border was much colder in autumn and winter than the capital, they included many additional winter clothes and plenty of ointments and medicines. They finally handed two large boxes to the bodyguards accompanying Jin Yi, repeatedly reminding them of their responsibilities. The old lady then called them in for a lengthy conversation, filled with exhortations, before allowing them to leave.

Jin Yi went to bid farewell to the old lady. Over the years, her health had gradually declined, but she still mustered the energy to instruct Jin Yi, reiterating familiar themes about serving the country and achieving great deeds. Jin Yi, who had heard these teachings since childhood, patiently listened and responded to each point. The old lady then added, “Warfare is grueling and dangerous. Changji, take care of yourself. While I hope for your triumph, I pray even more for your safe return.”

Jin Yi felt a twinge of emotion, looking at his grandmother, now with a full head of silver hair and already bundled up in thick clothing despite the early autumn. He said, “Your grandson is unfilial, unable to serve you at your side.”

The old lady understood the underlying meaning of his “unfilial” remark. She had not given up hope over the years of seeing Jin Yi remarry, but her efforts had ultimately been in vain. Now, as her only grandson prepared to go to war, the household lacked even a mistress, leaving her feeling increasingly lonely. However, not wanting Jin Yi to leave with a heavy heart, she consoled him instead, “Xinyue is here, and Yan’er is becoming more sensible every day. Don’t worry about us; do your duty as a grandson and a father when you return.”

Jin Yi kowtowed three times before the old lady and then left, returning to Fangmanting.

In his bedroom, a painting hung beside his bed. A year ago, Zhou Chengyan had met a newly minted scholar who had previously taken the imperial exams but had not made the list. During that time, he had befriended the then-unmarried Fu Ming, forming a close bond. Later, this person returned home and lost contact with Fu Ming. When he returned to the capital, he found that his old friend had passed away. By chance, he met Zhou Chengyan and gifted him a painting depicting Fu Ming at seventeen or eighteen. This painting eventually ended up in Jin Yi’s bedroom. He hung it beside his bed, where he could see it before closing his eyes and upon waking. Over the past year, he had grown accustomed to speaking to the painting. Although he occasionally visited Fu Ming’s grave, he felt more comfort speaking to the painting than standing before a cold tombstone. It seemed as if Fu Ming was still there, gazing at him with gentle eyes, silently yet affectionately.

“Ye Xin, I’m off to war in the northwest, to Liangzhou. You probably haven’t been there. When I return, I’ll tell you about the battles and the local scenery. I wanted to take you with me, but I don’t know how things will turn out, and the place isn’t as comfortable as the capital. So, I think it’s best for you to stay at home and wait for me. This way, I have something to hold onto, a reason to drive out the invaders and return as soon as possible.”

Jin Yi cast one last longing look at the painting before leaving resolutely.

Zhaoyan saw him off. The eight-year-old boy, still not fully mature, tried to hide his reluctance and worry, but it was evident in his eyes.

Jin Yi patted his still-immature shoulder, “Diligence makes excellence; idleness leads to decline. When I return, I’ll check your studies and martial skills. Don’t slack off.”

“Yes, Father. I won’t disappoint you.” Zhaoyan brandished an old wooden sword.

Jin Yi embraced him, holding him tight, then patted his back, “After I leave, you’ll be the only man in the house. You’re their support, be strong.”

Zhaoyan hugged Jin Yi back, “Okay, Father.”

Jin Yi released him, and Zhaoyan let go as well. “When I return, I’ll forge you a real sword!” Jin Yi said before taking the reins and riding off, leaving the capital’s first fallen yellow leaves behind.

Heading west, the journey was mostly mountainous. The army, strict in discipline and swift in movement, marched quietly yet grandly through the valleys, their steps echoing off the cliffs. Jin Yi’s command was firm, and the army was well-regulated, adhering strictly to orders as they made their way toward Liangzhou.

Before the reinforcements arrived, Jiang Yisun had to lead the remaining soldiers in a desperate defense, determined to hold the fortress.

One evening, after another fierce battle, the setting sun, as red as blood, reflected off the river of blood below, casting its light on the ancient, weathered city walls.

The evening wind carried a heavy stench of blood. No one covered their noses; they had become accustomed to the bloodshed. As soldiers cleared the battlefield and collected the dead, they found comrades among the bodies, their stoic faces betraying grief.

Sometimes, they uncovered long-decomposed bones, entangled in the roots of yellow grass, seemingly cradled gently. The unclaimed dead, scavenged by crows and beasts, were buried by nature itself. Even those who were collected only received a mass grave and a nameless stone, until grass grew over the mound and the stone toppled, leaving no trace of the fallen heroes. Even those who returned to the site later to pay their respects to fallen comrades could not find them.

War was ruthless, but it did not quench the warriors’ fiery hearts. They knew they had to hold the fortress with their lives, for behind them were their homes and families.

For these men, their resolve was as hard as iron. In life, it flowed like molten steel; in death, it solidified into an unyielding spine. They could fall, but they would not surrender.

More and more soldiers fell, making the defense increasingly difficult. Many hadn’t slept properly for days, collapsing on the roadside within the city walls after their shifts, waiting for the next call to arms. Their comrades dwindled, and supplies of food, medicine, and weapons ran low. They didn’t know how much longer they could hold out, but as long as they were ordered to fight, they fought, refusing to consider the possibility of total defeat.

In the past, a poet lamented, “Do not laugh at the man who sleeps on the battlefield; how many have returned from wars of old?” These soldiers were well aware of the harsh reality of “how many have returned” but did not seek the romanticism of “sleeping on the battlefield.” They only collapsed from exhaustion or were struck down. Perhaps they never experienced that kind of romanticism, but their relentless defense, their disregard for life and death, was a poem written with their actions. Just as those bleeding outside the city, those lying with weapons in hand, may not seem beautiful to anyone, but they would be unforgettable.

Jiang Yisun and two other generals patrolled the camp, passing rows of sleeping soldiers. One general asked, “General Jiang, how much longer until the reinforcements arrive? The men can’t hold out much longer.” This question had been asked five days ago, yet they still held out.

Jiang Yisun, his face heavy, looked back at the boundless desert in the deepening night. After a moment, he said, “I trust General Jin. They will arrive before Longshuo Pass falls.”

That night, the enemy launched another surprise attack. As the drums sounded, countless soldiers orderly and tightly rushed to the city walls. The battle raged through the night, and many disappeared into the darkness before dawn.

The enemy withdrew after sunrise but launched another assault half an hour later. Since the previous day, the attacks had become more frequent, as if the Western Xia forces sensed the city’s condition and aimed to take Longshuo Pass within two days.

“General Jiang, we can’t hold out much longer. This time, we really can’t.”

“If Longshuo Pass falls, so will Liangzhou! We must hold the line; unless the enemy steps over our corpses, they won’t pass!” Jiang Yisun looked at the soldiers behind him, his eyes bloodshot, and ordered all to fight, leaving no retreat.

The battle continued until dusk, the flags on the walls wavering, the gates about to give way. Suddenly, shouts and cries rang out from behind.

“Reinforcements have arrived! Reinforcements have arrived!”

“General Jin is here! General Jin has brought reinforcements!”

Morale surged, and the reinforcements quickly joined the fray, turning the tide. The Western Xia forces, seeing this, finally ordered a retreat.

That night, the original defenders of Longshuo Pass could finally rest. They not only had a reprieve but also received food and medical supplies from the reinforcements. With the reinforcements standing guard, they could eat their fill, have their wounds bandaged, and sleep peacefully in their tents without worry. Jin Yi had suggested Jiang Yisun rest for the night, but he insisted on briefing Jin Yi on the situation and accompanying him on an inspection.

The night wind blew through the camp, making the bonfires crackle. The patrolling soldiers’ footsteps crunched on the grass, their armor and weapons clinking. Occasionally, a horse neighed in the distance.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve had such a peaceful night,” Jiang Yisun sighed.

“You’ve worked hard,” Jin Yi replied. “We arrived late.”

Jiang Yisun smiled, “As long as Longshuo Pass didn’t fall, you’re not late.”

After a long silence, Jin Yi said, “I owe you an apology.”

Jiang Yisun responded, “General, you need not apologize.”

But Jin Yi shook his head, “No, this apology is for… for Fu Ming.”

Jiang Yisun’s face showed a trace of sadness. He had heard about Fu Ming’s situation from Yan Le. Although time had dulled his grief, Jin Yi’s mention of it still tugged at his heart.

But he couldn’t bring himself to blame Jin Yi. He knew that Jin Yi must find it even harder to let go. After a long silence, he finally said, “When this war is over, I’ll ask the Emperor for leave to visit him.”

“Mm.” Jin Yi responded softly.

Jiang Yisun had intended to ask about Yan Le, but he doubted Jin Yi was aware of Yan Le’s situation and decided not to bring it up. Well, when he returned, he would seek out Yan Le and visit Fu Ming’s grave together. However, he was unsure how Yan Le’s business was progressing, whether it was going smoothly. Jiang Yisun knew Yan Le had a score to settle, and it seemed his enemy was quite powerful. But he didn’t know the specifics. While he was concerned, the war took precedence, so he had to set it aside for now, leaving it for another day.

R : That old lady, I hate her to the core, even after this, I’ll still hate her !!

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