Chaotic Times Chapter 43: The Golden Mace General

Nestled in Qin Shuyu’s warm embrace, surrounded by her gentle fragrance, Li Qiutong’s cheeks flushed crimson. He was at a loss for words.

“You’re really quite shy, you know,” Qin Shuyu murmured softly. “Try to be more open; otherwise, how will you ever find a girl in the future?”

Li Qiutong gently pulled away from her. “Is it truly all right? I’m just…”

“Of course, child. I like you very much.”

Looking into her kind, motherly eyes, Li Qiutong nodded and called out, “Mother.”

“Yes?”

“By the way, Qiutong, where are you staying now?” she asked with concern.

“I’m living at the Hailin Hotel with my brothers.”

“Oh, is that the hotel where Yuling works? The environment there is quite nice, but a hotel can never be as comfortable as home. There are plenty of rooms at the Qin residence. Why don’t you and your brothers come stay with us?”

Li Qiutong shook his head. “It’s all right, Mother. We’re doing fine. I’ve delivered the Jade Needle and Grandfather’s letter as promised. Now, we’re heading to the Lands of Chaos to become mercenaries. I gave my word to my brothers.”

Qin Shuyu’s expression changed at the news. “Become mercenaries? That’s far too dangerous. How about this: I’ll speak to my elder brother and have him arrange for you to join his troops. The barracks are in Chang’an, so it’s very safe.”

“I’m sorry, Mother, but I promised them.” Li Qiutong’s tone was resolute. He could feel her concern, but this was not something he could yield on.

Seeing her own worry had made her too hasty, Qin Shuyu softened her voice. “Very well. At least talk it over with your friends. The Chang’an garrison offers excellent conditions. The Lands of Chaos are in turmoil— it’s truly dangerous.”

Faced with her gentle persuasion, Li Qiutong could not refuse outright and agreed to consult the others first.

“Then remember to come to the Qin residence tonight. I’ll cook for you myself,” Qin Shuyu said, brimming with affection.

“All right, Mother,” Li Qiutong replied, still not quite used to it.

Soon after, Qin Shuyu prepared to leave for the Qin residence, wanting to take her things back with her. As the two walked to the main hall, the three people waiting there finally breathed sighs of relief—though for very different reasons.

The most anxious among them, Yuying, noticed the smudged makeup on her mistress’s face and hurried over to inquire, “Master, are you all right?”

“I’m fine, but I need to return home for now. I’ll leave things in your hands.”

“Yes, Master. Please rest well.”

Yuling and Ren Xingtian also approached. Qin Shuyu greeted them, “Yuling? It’s been a while since you’ve come home. How is work lately?”

“I’m doing well, thank you for your concern, Madam.”

“If you’re ever too tired, come back to the clinic. This will always be your home.”

Yuling’s eyes reddened for a moment. “Thank you, Madam.”

After a brief conversation, Qin Shuyu hurriedly left the Hundred Herbs Hall, reminding Li Qiutong before she went, “Don’t forget tonight.”

Ren Xingtian clapped a hand on Li Qiutong’s shoulder in admiration. “Brother Tong, I’ve underestimated you.”

Li Qiutong shot him a look. “What are you thinking? Let’s go, we have things to discuss back at the hotel.”

With that, he dragged Ren Xingtian away. After Yuling bid her sister farewell, she quickly caught up with the others. Li Qiutong said nothing on the walk back, hurrying ahead until they reached the hotel.

Once there, the four of them sat down together.

“Big brother, what’s the urgent matter?” Yang Ruiyun asked, puzzled by the sudden meeting.

Li Qiutong spoke gravely. “There’s something I need to discuss with all of you.”

“Brother Tong has found himself a girlfriend twenty years his senior—anyone have a problem with that?” Ren Xingtian interjected mischievously.

“Is that true, big brother?” Yang Ruiyun asked.

Li Qiutong smacked Ren Xingtian on the back. “Nonsense, what rubbish are you spouting?”

Rubbing his neck, Ren Xingtian protested, “But isn’t it true? The way Lady Qin looked at you was full of affection. What did you do to her?”

Li Qiutong sighed. “She’s my mother.”

“You actually like your own mother? Brother, I must say—” Ren Xingtian didn’t get to finish before Li Qiutong punched him straight into the wall.

Li Qiutong then explained the day’s events with Qin Shuyu to the group.

Ren Xingtian grumbled, “Next time, can you just explain things clearly? My neck really hurts.”

Li Qiutong gave him a look of disdain. “You never used to be this way. If I’d known you’d end up like this, I wouldn’t have taken you in.”

Ren Xingtian shrugged, “Can’t help it. Life was too stifling in Tianshan—I needed to get out and be myself now and then.”

Li Qiutong could only return to the main topic. “So, what do you all think we should do?”

Deng Zhanxuan was the first to answer. “I’m fine with anything, as long as I’m with my brothers.”

Yang Ruiyun seemed deep in thought and said nothing.

Li Qiutong looked to Ren Xingtian for his opinion.

Ren Xingtian, now serious, analyzed, “Both paths have their pros and cons. If we go directly to the Lands of Chaos, the three of you are strong, but on the Eastern Martial Continent, personal strength alone is never enough. Even the greatest martial artists can be beset and killed. Your idea to form a mercenary group and build your own power is wise, but at the moment, it’s only a plan. There are many problems: recruiting people, securing funds, and building a reputation all take time. By my estimate, it’ll take us at least five years to make a name for ourselves—provided everything goes well. There are many uncertainties.”

He paused to sip his water.

“What about joining Tang?” Li Qiutong pressed.

Setting down his cup, Ren Xingtian continued, “Don’t rush me, I’m getting there. The main advantage of joining Tang is a period of stability and growth. But it means giving up some freedom. For the three of you—especially Ruiyun, who has no ties to Tang—I doubt you’d be willing to risk your lives for it. Besides, a comfortable life can dull your will.”

“So what are you suggesting?” Yang Ruiyun finally spoke.

“I think the best course is to join the Tang army, but not stay in Chang’an. We can request a posting to the front lines. With your abilities and General Qin’s support, you could easily become commanders. Then, while in the army, we can build our own power base. When the time is right, we’ll take our forces and head to the Lands of Chaos. By then, we’ll have strength, soldiers, and a reputation. We’ll have everything we need to succeed.”

“When will the time be right?” Yang Ruiyun asked, evidently intrigued.

Ren Xingtian smiled mysteriously. “When the world falls into true chaos.”

“How could we possibly sway the soldiers to follow us? Isn’t that impossible?” Li Qiutong asked doubtfully.

“I have my methods. I’ll explain when the time comes,” Ren Xingtian replied, leaving them in suspense.

“What do you think, second brother?” Li Qiutong turned to Yang Ruiyun.

After a moment’s thought, Yang Ruiyun said, “Xingtian is right. If we get a chance not to start from scratch, we should take it. Opportunities are rare.”

“No need to force yourself, second brother. As long as we’re together, we can build from nothing,” Li Qiutong reassured him. He knew Yang Ruiyun was still reluctant to pledge allegiance to another nation, even temporarily. Deng Zhanxuan was simple-hearted and probably had no particular opinion, but Yang Ruiyun was a man of tradition and loyalty. It would be hard for him to accept.

But Yang Ruiyun shook his head and smiled. “It’s all right, big brother. Since our last battle, I’ve resolved to fight only for my brothers and my beliefs. Don’t worry.”

The two exchanged a smile and said no more.

“Then it’s settled. Let’s head to the Qin residence,” Li Qiutong announced.

At that moment, in the Qin residence—

“No,” a middle-aged man said firmly.

“Why not? He’s my godson now. Is it so hard to let him join your troops?” Qin Shuyu demanded angrily.

The man turned, his expression stern. “Li Baicao deceived you for all those years. Now, some orphan he raised shows up and you take him in as your godson? Have you forgotten what Li Baicao did to you?”

“I don’t care what happened between us. I know he loved me— that’s enough. I didn’t wait all these years for nothing. Xiaotong is his adopted son; what’s wrong with me treating him as mine?”

Seeing how determined his sister was, Qin Shubao was at a loss. He knew her temperament well. When she was just eighteen, she’d defied the family to go to Zhenbei Pass, and for twenty years had turned away countless suitors, choosing to remain unmarried. Compared to that, adopting a godson was a small matter.

Since he couldn’t win by force, Qin Shubao softened his tone. “Fine, Yuer, I won’t interfere. But my troops aren’t easy to join. If I just assign him a place, plenty of people will talk. There will be rumors.”

Relieved by her brother’s change in attitude, Qin Shuyu relaxed as well. “Then what do you propose?”

Qin Shubao replied solemnly, “I have to make sure his abilities are up to standard. I’ll arrange a test for him. If he passes, I’ll have no objections.”

“Agreed. Baicao always said he was talented in martial arts. I’m sure he’ll pass,” Qin Shuyu said confidently.

Qin Shubao shook his head, unmoved. Inwardly, he doubted Li Qiutong’s strength—how powerful could a child raised by a physician truly be? He suspected Li Baicao didn’t even understand what martial talent meant.

Seeing her brother yield, Qin Shuyu smiled with delight. “I’ll be in the kitchen. When Xiaotong arrives, come get me.”

Qin Shubao grumbled, “You’ve only just gotten a son and already you’re forgetting your own brother.”

But Qin Shuyu paid him no mind.

The grand hall fell silent once more. Alone, Qin Shubao gazed at a painting on the wall, muttering, “Li Baicao, are you truly dead?”

As dusk approached, a servant came to Qin Shubao’s study. “General, there are four people at the gate asking for the lady of the house.”

Qin Shubao put down his book. “I understand. Bring them to the training grounds—I’ll be there soon.”

“Yes, sir.”

He stood, took up his shining twin maces, and murmured, “Let’s see what the so-called Medicine Sage’s grandson is capable of.”

“Brother Tong, where’s your mother?” Ren Xingtian asked, bored after a long wait.

“The gatekeeper went to fetch her. Just wait a bit longer,” Li Qiutong replied, though he was uncertain.

Suddenly, a commanding middle-aged man holding twin maces appeared before them. “Are you the orphan Li Baicao raised?” he demanded.

“Big brother, this man must be a great general. He carries the same aura as my father,” Yang Ruiyun whispered.

Sizing up the intimidating newcomer, Li Qiutong answered, “I am. And you are?”

The man thrust his maces into the ground with a heavy thud. “I am Qin Shubao.”

“Qin Shubao, Duke of the First Rank of Tang, General of the Golden Maces, Commander of the Imperial Guards, and head of the Qin family,” Ren Xingtian explained.

“You know quite a bit about me,” Qin Shubao remarked.

Ren Xingtian grinned. “The name of the Golden Mace General is renowned far and wide—how could I not know?”

Li Qiutong looked at him. “You’re my godmother’s brother, so you’re my uncle. What is it you want?”

Qin Shubao’s reply was cold. “I have no nephew. Li Baicao made my sister wait all those years; I have no fondness for him, nor for you. I can’t stand people who rely on connections to get ahead—lacking ability, yet using family ties to worm their way into my army. I wonder if Li Baicao was blind, raising an opportunist like you.”

The atmosphere instantly turned tense.

“Big brother?” Yang Ruiyun glanced at Li Qiutong, whose face showed no emotion.

Li Qiutong forced a smile. “So, you’re here to send us away?”

Qin Shubao hefted his maces. “For my sister’s sake, I’ll give you a chance. Survive three moves from me and you’ll join the Imperial Guards. Fail, and you and your rabble will leave and never show your faces before me again.”

“Qin Shubao, what are you doing?” Qin Shuyu, having just heard the news, rushed to the training grounds. She’d wanted to see her son’s skills, but instead heard her brother mocking him.

Though he adored his sister, Qin Shubao was not to be swayed. With a signal, the guards held Qin Shuyu back.

Seeing his godmother’s anxious, angry face, Li Qiutong felt his heart settle. He said to her, “Don’t worry, Mother. Trust me.” Then, turning to Yang Ruiyun, he whispered, “Second brother, if things go wrong, get my godmother out of here quickly.”

Yang Ruiyun nodded. “Be careful, big brother.”

Having made his arrangements, Li Qiutong faced Qin Shubao and said coolly, “No need for three moves. If you can withstand a single strike from me, I’ll leave at once.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Qiutong drew the Yin-Yang Dragon Staff. A surge of azure martial energy gathered, then swiftly split into two—one violet, one crimson.