Volume One: Flames on the Border Chapter Nineteen: Resting Horse Ridge

The Chen family had endured generations of warfare, resulting in a dwindling lineage; thus, the fortress had long depended on the support of the Li family. Though Li Jun was somewhat older, he was sharp, capable, and had been the sworn childhood friend of Chen Jing, the lord of the stronghold—undoubtedly one of the foremost figures within its walls.

Given Chen Qingyun’s status and background, unless she married outside the fortress, only the Li family within was considered a suitable match. For this reason, Lord Chen Jing was quite in favor of the union.

Yet, for reasons unknown, his sister Chen Qingyun was adamantly opposed, even declaring, “I would rather go unmarried for life than become a wife in the Li family.”

Chen Jing, having only this one sister, could hardly force her hand and instead sought to persuade her gently. With the Li family unable to secure her hand, no other family within the fortress dared consider marrying Chen Qingyun.

So it went that no one dared propose to her; at twenty, she was still unwed—a considerable age for a woman in the Eastern Jin, where population growth was so encouraged that there were even laws imposing taxes on men over fifteen and women over thirteen who remained unmarried.

Unable to find a husband, Chen Qingyun grew vexed and agitated, venting all her frustration on the Li family, never offering Li Jun a kind word.

Li Jun loved her deeply, indulging her every whim and adoring her to the point of obsession, but he lacked eloquence and failed to win her favor, earning only her complaints.

Their tangled romance was well known throughout the fortress and often the subject of idle gossip.

The mighty Captain Li, so imposing on the battlefield, was reduced to a pitiful lovesick fool—this amused He Yu greatly, and he couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

Whoosh!

A whip cracked down from above, whistling through the air straight at He Yu’s head.

He Yu instinctively jerked aside, and the whip missed. Hoofbeats thundered by as Li Jun galloped past, his face dark with fury.

“Damn it, can’t get the girl and takes it out on me. Unbelievable!” He Yu’s sword-like brows shot up, ready to retaliate, but in the end, he restrained himself.

The Li family held great sway in the fortress, and Li Jun was his direct superior. If you ate a man’s bread, you were subject to his orders. It was only natural for a boss to vent his frustrations on his subordinates.

He Yu shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips, silently cursing Li Jun to never win Chen Qingyun’s heart.

He himself loved Deng’er and had little interaction with Chen Qingyun, with no improper thoughts toward her, yet deep down, he still resented the idea of such a lovely maiden marrying another man.

Such selfishness is common to all—like a child’s toy tossed in the corner; one does not play with it, but dislikes seeing others touch it.

While He Yu was stewing in this nameless jealousy, the unit leader came running toward him from not far away. The South Gate’s unit chief was Yang, a big, imposing man whom all the troops respectfully called Chief Yang.

Chief Yang arrived, bellowing, “All squad leaders of the South Gate and He Yu, arm yourselves and follow me to the small drill ground!”

There were usually five squad leaders on duty at the South Gate, each a top hand among the troops. Including He Yu meant they recognized his exceptional martial skill.

“Chief Yang is in such a hurry, and pulling so many squad leaders at once—could something grave have happened?”

The five squad leaders and He Yu exchanged uneasy glances but did not ask questions. They swiftly donned their armor, took up their spears, mounted their horses, and followed Chief Yang to the small parade ground.

He Yu sensed something significant was afoot and quietly brought along his treasured sword, Juque.

In a flash, they arrived at the drill ground. The gates stood wide open, and Lord Chen Jing, with the other three gate chiefs, led his riders out at a gallop.

The two groups joined forces wordlessly and sped off toward the South Gate together.

“The lord himself, four unit chiefs, five squad leaders, and He Yu—eleven in all. This is nearly the fortress’s elite.”

Maintaining an army was no simple task; maintaining armored cavalry was an even greater expense. The Chen stronghold had endured a hundred years thanks to its five hundred cavalrymen.

The eleven rode like a storm straight south.

Only then did He Yu learn from others, “We’re bound for Xie Ma Ridge to meet with the lord of Skyward Fortress to discuss the fields south of the mountains.”

A thousand men made a stronghold; ten thousand, a fortress.

Skyward Fortress was the foremost bastion in Yanmen Commandery, with a population exceeding thirty thousand. Excluding infantry, it boasted more than two thousand cavalry.

More crucially, all Skyward Fortress cavalry and mounts were fully armored, making them far superior to the Chen stronghold’s forces. Though both occupied the same city and inevitably clashed overtly and covertly, they maintained a façade of cordiality.

Lord Diao Bao of Skyward Fortress, courtesy name Wenbao, was both ambitious and capable. Under his leadership, Skyward Fortress had not only weathered the chaos but commanded the respect of all factions—none dared slight him.

The dispute over the fields south of the mountains was longstanding. The three thousand hectares, well-irrigated and fertile, had originally belonged to Skyward Fortress but were later sold to the Chen stronghold.

When Diao Bao assumed lordship, Skyward Fortress’s might grew, and he sought to reclaim the land. Yet by then, after years of cultivation, the fields had become vital to the Chen stronghold’s food supply. Lord Chen Jing was unwilling to sell but did not wish to offend Diao Bao, so he stalled, setting the price high.

Today, both sides agreed to meet at Xie Ma Ridge, each bringing only ten men.

Xie Ma Ridge lay between the two fortresses, a low hill thick with pines and cypresses.

Chen Jing’s party arrived, dismounted, and saw Diao Bao with ten of his men approaching from a pavilion below.

It was clear that Diao Bao’s men were robust and fierce—each one a formidable fighter.

Diao Bao himself, in his forties, had long brows, narrow eyes, a hooked nose, and a wide mouth. Though a bit portly, his gait betrayed a certain agility.

Diao Bao offered a salute, “Lord Chen, how have you been? This way, please.”

Chen Jing smiled, returning the greeting, “Lord Diao, after you.”

Inside, straw mats and low tables were arranged. After a few pleasantries, the two men sat across from each other.

Their men lined up behind them.

After exchanging a cup of wine, they got down to business.

Diao Bao said unhurriedly, “This meeting concerns the fields south of the mountains. Might you be willing to part with them?”

Chen Jing considered for a moment. “To be frank, those fields are vital to our livelihood. I am loath to sell. But for the sake of your friendship, and since Skyward Fortress is wealthy, the price would not disadvantage the Chen stronghold.”

Men of the world, both understood the game—Chen Jing gave nothing away, deftly passing the ball back.

“Ha! They say Lord Chen is young and capable, but aloof. Meeting you today, your reputation is well deserved,” Diao Bao laughed heartily, then lowered his voice. “To be honest, I once thought those fields were as good as mine. But now, it seems Skyward Fortress may not get them after all. You must have heard—the Emperor plans to attack the usurper Wei, and has sent Prince Taiyuan to station troops at Yanmen for several months. The demand for provisions is immense. For some reason, the Prince has set his sights on those fields, intending to requisition them for the army. Are you aware of this?”

Chen Jing shook his head. “If Prince Taiyuan wishes to requisition the fields, his officials will come to discuss it with me. Why then have you asked me here?”

Diao Bao pondered, then said angrily, “When the army seizes land, it’s not for farming but for plunder. Forgive my bluntness, but with your strength, keeping those fields won’t be easy. But if you turn them over to Skyward Fortress and we unite, not even the Emperor would dare seize them. Skyward Fortress is confident of that… heh, heh…”—he looked exceedingly pleased with himself.

He Yu, listening nearby, almost laughed aloud. Diao Bao’s scheme was clear: taking advantage of the army’s threat to openly seize the Chen stronghold’s fields.

And judging by his ambition, he seemed intent on eventually swallowing the Chen stronghold whole. Perhaps he had powerful backing, He Yu thought.

Chen Jing snorted, testing him: “The Chen stronghold may be small, but it’s not made of paper. If Prince Taiyuan is truly set on these fields and brings the full might of the army, even Skyward Fortress may find resistance difficult.”

Diao Bao’s eyes lit up, and he smiled, taking charge: “That’s nothing to worry about. When the time comes, the county’s grand administrator will speak for us before the army. He is my kinsman by marriage, as you know.”

Seeing Chen Jing’s uncertain expression, Diao Bao pressed on, “My sons are mediocre, but I have a daughter, just sixteen, of fine character and looks. She has vowed to marry no one but a hero. Should you not mind, let us unite our families—no more strife between us, only peace.”

In the Eastern Jin, it was common for the powerful to have several wives and concubines. Yet Diao Bao’s offer was clearly a ploy to annex the Chen stronghold. A union in name only—ultimately, Chen’s lands would be devoured. Chen Jing understood this as well as He Yu did.

Diao Bao had always sided with the strong, bullying his neighbors with the backing of greater powers, committing countless misdeeds. His words now were a clear signal that he had the court at his back.

Chen Jing’s face darkened. Rising, he clasped his fists in salute, “Lord Diao, your generosity is overwhelming, but I must decline. Though small, the Chen stronghold wishes not to bask in Skyward Fortress’s shadow. Let us speak no more of uniting our houses. Farewell.” With that, he turned to leave.

“Chen Zijing, this matter could benefit both our houses or bring us mutual harm. Should your stronghold fall, it is of little consequence, but I bear responsibility for the safety of tens of thousands. I will not allow you to act recklessly.”

Diao Bao’s face turned livid with fury, his voice cold and threatening. “Lord Chen, the decision rests with you alone. I urge you to reconsider.”

“I have made up my mind. I cannot comply,” Chen Jing snapped.

With a hiss, all ten of Diao Bao’s men drew their blades and advanced menacingly.

Not to be outdone, He Yu and his companions drew their swords as well.

Chen Jing laughed bitterly. “So Lord Diao’s intentions are now clear. I see I was mistaken.”

Diao Bao’s face twisted with murderous intent. With a wave of his hand, his men shouted and surged forward, weapons raised, poised to strike.