Chapter 19: Bullying Others on the Strength of One's Master, A Night Raid on the Den of Thieves

The envoy sent by Shao Qiang strutted arrogantly, aggrieved and clutching the county magistrate’s official token. Before the gate of the military camp, he proudly proclaimed the decree: “Order from Shao Qiang, magistrate of Huyang County—Flag bearer Xiao Gui is colluding with Chen An to disrupt government affairs. He shall be executed immediately to set an example! If General Qiao dares to harbor him, he stands against the people of the entire county!”

Chen An stepped forward, sweeping dust into the air with his foot. “Shao Qiang made himself a eunuch, yet he has the face to meddle in military affairs?”

With a swift motion, he snatched the document from the envoy’s hand and tore it to pieces without even glancing at it. “Don’t speak of such orders. Even if Shao Qiang stood here before me, I wouldn’t give him the slightest respect.”

The envoy, intimidated by the fierce glare in Chen An’s eyes, staggered back three steps. “Y-you dare defy orders?”

“I answer only to military law, not to cruel officials!”

Chen An suddenly drew his long sword from his waist, the scabbard striking the ground heavily. “Anyone who lays a finger on Xiao Gui must first ask my permission—by this blade!”

Inside the tent, General Qiao Dafa pinched his beard, his brows furrowed deeply. He observed the tense scene outside and noticed the several clerks trailing the envoy. From Zhang Xiaojing’s account, he understood the whole context.

Shao Qiang was clearly exploiting the situation, but as an imperial official, his authority was not to be taken lightly. If this escalated to the prefectural magistrate, Qiao’s position as commander might be in jeopardy.

With a weary voice, Qiao Dafa finally spoke, “Though Xiao Gui is not without fault, he is also implicated. From this day, he is demoted to a common soldier and to receive thirty lashes as a warning.”

“But…” the envoy hesitated, “The county magistrate ordered beheading.”

“To hell with execution! If you don’t leave now, I’ll behead you myself!” Zhang Xiaojing swiftly drew his blade and pressed it against the envoy’s shoulder.

The envoy, accustomed to wielding authority through intimidation, dared not utter another word upon seeing this.

“Fine, just you wait…” he spat out a few harsh words before fleeing in panic.

As the heavy thuds of military cudgels striking flesh echoed outside the tent, Zhang Xiaojing spat disdainfully. Wu Ergou’s knuckles whitened as he gripped his spear.

They had followed Chen An through life and death, hoping for justice, only to face such a bitter outcome.

As dusk settled, the two crouched in a corner of the barracks, drinking. Suddenly, the tent flap was thrown open.

Chen An entered, carrying two jars of strong liquor, slamming one down on the ground. “Think I’ve backed down?”

Zhang Xiaojing tilted his head back and gulped down some wine. “Nothing, just feeling stifled.”

“Afraid?” Chen An broke the seal on the jar, amber liquid sizzling as it splashed on the campfire.

After explaining the results of his investigation and his plan, the two were immediately shocked.

“All those hundred suits of armor, three hundred spears—if we report them, who else would earn the military merit?”

He slammed the wine cup down hard, sparks flying onto their faces. “Behind Shao Qiang stands Wang Jiuyang, and behind Wang Jiuyang lurks a rebel.”

“So, what do you mean?” Wu Ergou whispered.

“We take men and handle this quietly, without a sound,” Chen An ordered.

The steady and serious Zhang Xiaojing expressed concern, “Should we inform General Qiao Dafa?”

Chen An shook his head quickly. “He mustn’t know. If he does, he’ll trouble us. Remember, he still has to deal with the authorities. More importantly, success here means merit; failure, a grave offense. We need an escape route.”

Seeing Chen An so resolved, Zhang Xiaojing and the others realized they had misjudged him.

Before anyone could admit their mistake, Chen An spoke softly, “It’s my fault. Such matters can’t be aired in public.”

The crescent moon over Black Wind Valley was mostly swallowed by dark clouds.

Chen An crouched behind a shattered boulder, watching the copper studs on the armor of the patrolling soldiers glimmer faintly in the darkness.

“Twelve on the left wing, three by the fire on the right.”

Without a word, Chen An flicked his dagger with his fingers.

“Attack!”

The sharp hiss of blades slicing through air was met with two patrollers clutching their throats, collapsing beneath the trees.

Blood blossomed darkly on the grass.

Like wildcats, they dropped silently; the moment their boots pressed the fallen, they seized a spear from one and hurled it.

The spear pierced the crackling fire, and a sentinel rising in the distance was instantly pinned to the wooden fence.

Wu Ergou led men bursting from the shadows, startling the entire camp’s horses into frantic neighing.

“Assassins!” The shrill cry was cut short as Chen An’s horizontal stroke severed a throat.

Leaping over the fallen wine jar, his blade traced silver arcs in moonlight, felling three attackers who screamed clutching shattered arms.

The brittle clang of armor breaking mingled with the crack of splintering bones, piercing the silence of the night.

After their time together, the group moved with growing synchrony.

The thirty-odd guards of the hidden post were wiped out without a sound.

Chen An stood tall, surveying the iron horses and weapons scattered amid the fallen—honor and sorrow mingled on the ground.

“Brother, all this loot will earn us a hefty share of military merit!”

Facing Zhang Xiaojing’s hopeful gaze, Chen An was suddenly speechless.

“What’s wrong? You seem upset.”

“Brother, from the first day I enlisted, you told me a soldier’s duty was to guard the land and protect the people.”

“Right, that’s exactly why we exist!”

“Then tell me, why do some trample upon the bones of the common folk to seize power? Why are the officials more vile than the barbarians? They treat their own subordinates and people worse than anyone!”

“Chen An, you shouldn’t speak so recklessly!”

Zhang Xiaojing reached to cover Chen An’s mouth but was stopped.

“Brother, I’ve said it, and I intend to act. I don’t want rebellion, but the fools and scoundrels in the court should never treat their people this way.”

Chen An’s voice rose, “The world’s wars start with schemes, but I reject scheming. I will form my own loyal army, starting now!”

The scene fell utterly silent, the air heavy with tension.

Then, voices rose in waves, swelling into a crescendo.

Zhang Xiaojing saw clearly that the forced seizure of women had become an insurmountable barrier in Chen An’s heart.

Chen An himself knew that mere hard work wasn’t enough for military glory. He needed cunning and ambition, to make the whole world see.

A republic under heaven!

“Brother…” After unburdening his thoughts, Chen An looked to Zhang Xiaojing.

He feared his words might be mistaken for treason if overheard.

Yet Zhang Xiaojing, Wu Ergou, and the others only exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

“Well then, Chen An, I didn’t expect you had this in you.”

“Let us be your generals, and see how far you can go!”

“Yes, the country we protect isn’t ruled by corrupt officials!”

“Chen An, rest assured, you’ll continue as an officer!”