Refusing to Serve Me? Then Off With Your Head!

Chapter 23

Whose Man was So Handsome

In the Battle of the Huang He Valley; me, Zhao Yong, Su Ren and the rest were pretty oblivious to everything. Now that I think about it, the upright and loyal General Huang Jie was just a victim of politic.

The moment the war begun, Yan Yu came from the capital to oversee everything while clutching an imperial edict. He summoned all four generals from the four gates; showing particular appreciation towards General Huang.

General Huang was originally a hot-blooded person, one who wasn't going to think twice before sacrificing his life for the country.

Later, when I was in Feng Zhao Wen's commander-in-chief's tent, every time I heard him praising his subordinates, I always felt sympathy to the recipient of his praises. I thought he didn't have good intention and what he really meant was: Loyal officers, please go and die for me!

After all, in this world, only crafty villains got to live long.

For example, me.

Meanwhile, Commander-in-chief Yan took the initiative to dive into war. Even people like me who hadn't taken other people's lives before were sent to battles. We fought bravely against the Great Qi and received great commendations!

General Huang rose from a fifth-ranked military officer to a fourth-ranked officer. As for me, I received a titular general title, General Guang Wu.

I suspect it was Xiao Huang's selfish doing. Even Zhao Yong and Su Ren had astounded look on their faces, wondering if I was too courageous on the battlefield.

That morning before we got captured, the sky was bright. The Great Qi's armies were challenging us for war from below the city; their curse words assaulting our ears. Hearing their curses gave me a glimpse into the colorful and vivid world of the Great Qi's language and culture; so admirable.

Su Ren who was standing on a tower in the gate wielded his swords a couple of time. I stopped him. He furiously glared at me, "An Xiao Lang, it is better for you to stay quietly in this tower and be your General Guang Wu. They are cursing General Huang, how can I swallow my anger?"

I patted my own chest and laughed, "You can swallow rice just fine, why can't you swallow anger?"

Su Ren was choked by what I said. Without getting the chance for a rebut, we received order from the commander in chief. General Huang was to lead his people for a face-off with the enemy.

As we went out of the city, I bumped into Yan Ping.

His face was solemn, as though he just lost a father. I glanced at Yan Yu who was at a tower by the gate, his expression was unreadable. Before I could even decipher his expression, Yan Ping stepped forward and grabbed my horse by it's bridle.

I looked down from on top of my horse and found him looking dispirited. Perhaps, his Father had been teaching him too hard, or had picked a couple of beautiful tongfangs for him. Why else would General Yan looked drunk and haggard?

(TN: tongfang (通房) = girls that serves men at bed.)

"General Yan, this is——"

He pulled my horse tight and waited for Su Ren and Zhao Yong who kept looking back at us to leave the city before he spoke, "An Yi, can you not go to war today?"

I was sitting so high and he was looking up to me like that, why did it gave me a feeling that he was begging me?

I pulled back the bridle and gave him a laughter that contained a sense of alienation, "I had to trouble General to worry about me. This general will never disobey orders that are given by the commander-in-chief."