The ancient city walls of Xihua City stood weathered and towering in the vast, desolate land. The walls stretched endlessly, like a giant with outstretched arms embracing all the soldiers and civilians of Xihua within.
Fifty li outside the city, the Great Zhou military camp was stationed with dozens of banners fluttering in the wind. On the black banners, golden tigers embroidered with gold thread bared their fangs and claws, as if ready to pounce and tear their prey apart.
This was the military banner of the “Huben Army” led by Great Zhou’s Grand Marshal of Pingnan Forces and Prince Zhongshun, Pang Xiao.
Banner after banner with red backgrounds and black “Pang” characters also fluttered in the wild wind alongside the military flags.
Within the military camp, order prevailed, with only lively commotion coming from the training grounds.
“Excellent!”
“Marshal Pang, what skill!”
“Wang Erhu, are you just eating for nothing!”
“Four of you against the Marshal alone—if you still lose, tonight’s steamed buns go to the brothers!”
…
In the center of the training grounds, four burly northern men with broad shoulders and thick waists were stripped to the waist, their bodies steaming with hot sweat in the cold wind, covered in dust, rubbing their fists and preparing their palms as they surrounded a similarly bare-chested, robust young man in the middle.
Even though they had already been thrown down twice, the four men remained unconvinced!
They refused to believe it!
All four of them were men who could “stand on their fists and run horses on their arms.” If they couldn’t match him in martial arts, surely four of them in wrestling could beat one person?!
Looking at Marshal Pang—though his body was strong, he was still lean. People always said that size meant strength, so they didn’t believe they would lose again this time!
The four men simultaneously roared and charged forward.
Beads of sweat slid down from Pang Xiao’s temples, steaming in the cold wind, his eyes flashing with excitement as he quickly engaged them.
“The Marshal is mighty!”
“Come on, put some effort into it!”
…
The watching soldiers enjoyed the show immensely, excitedly shouting and cheering.
Huzi pulled along Zheng Pei, whose beard flowed and who had an ethereal demeanor, to watch from the side, loudly cheering for Pang Xiao.
Zheng Pei wore a thick cloak, watching Pang Xiao with just a gentle smile. The crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes and the smile lines at his lips made this sixty-something gentleman appear especially kind.
The battle quickly reached its conclusion. Facts proved that wrestling didn’t depend entirely on strength—technique was also important.
Pang Xiao extended his hand to pull up the men he had knocked down, laughing heartily: “Tonight we’ll add extra food for everyone—we’re eating meat today!”
“Excellent!” Everyone cheered, and every man looked at Pang Xiao with eyes full of fervor and worship.
Pang Xiao laughed loudly, talking with his arm around the soldiers’ shoulders for a while before wiping his sweat and walking toward Huzi.
Huzi immediately brought Pang Xiao’s clothes and a large towel, rushing forward: “Master, you were truly amazing just now.”
Zheng Pei also smiled as he helped Pang Xiao put on his clothes: “Young Prince must take care of his body. If you don’t pay attention to maintenance when young, what will you do when illnesses come calling in old age?”
Pang Xiao casually wiped his sweat with the large towel while walking toward the tent and tying his belt: “Master Zheng needn’t worry. We’re accustomed to the north, so coming to Yan Dynasty territory doesn’t feel cold at all, and even less so when exercising.”
“Indeed, Master was truly mighty just now. When will I ever train to your level? You’re so formidable that I feel embarrassed to serve as your bodyguard!” Huzi’s eyes sparkled brightly.
Entering the tent, Pang Xiao downed a large bowl of water. Only now feeling cooled down, he properly put on his dark battle robe and tied his hair securely with a band.
Properly dressed, the man appeared heroic and noble, completely different from the hearty rough man from moments before.
Zheng Pei nodded with satisfaction.
In his youth, Pang Xiao wasn’t good at hiding his emotions—happiness and unhappiness were written all over his face.
After years of experience, he could now change his aura at will. When he needed to be a rough man, he was a rough man; when he needed to be righteous and stern, he was righteous and stern; when he needed to act shamelessly, he could do so without hesitation. Only in private did he maintain his usually taciturn appearance.
“Report!” Someone called loudly from outside the tent.
“Enter.”
“Marshal, news has come from Xihua City. The Yan Dynasty emperor has urgently summoned the two Sun generals and their families back to the capital, replacing them with a general named Wang Hui.”
Upon hearing this, Pang Xiao waved his hand to dismiss the soldier.
Once there were no outsiders in the tent, Zheng Pei smiled: “It seems His Majesty’s strategy has worked—Emperor Yan is truly frightened out of his wits.”
Huzi said: “I think that dog emperor is simply an idiot—cowardly and brainless. It’s a pity about that Sun Yuanming. Though he once spoke disrespectfully, it was just due to different positions. For a weak scholar to have such integrity—he was truly an admirable hero. Master, don’t you think so?”
Pang Xiao nodded: “That he went first is perhaps a blessing.”
Huzi made a puzzled “Hm?” sound.
Zheng Pei thought for a moment, then explained: “Young Prince speaks correctly. Emperor Yan is incompetent, suspicious, and cowardly as a mouse. Seeing our Emperor’s national letter, he must be scared to death. Their Yan Dynasty lacks talent and has empty coffers—they have no one capable of fighting Young Prince. All they can do is try every means to seek peace.”
“Seek peace?” Huzi blinked, then suddenly understood, staring wide-eyed: “Master Zheng means Emperor Yan will use the Sun family as scapegoats?”
“Exactly. We demanded Sun Yuanming’s brain fluid, Sun Yuanming refused, and the Yan Dynasty emperor was not only rebuked by our Emperor but also threatened like this. This simple-minded fool will surely think of using the Sun family as scapegoats to appease our Emperor’s anger.”
“That fool.” Huzi laughed heartily: “It would be better if he killed all the capable ones! Let the people of his country hate him to death!”
Listening to Zheng Pei and Huzi’s excited conversation, Pang Xiao thought of that person related to the Sun family.
With her maternal family suffering such great calamity, her future life would probably be affected too.