Dragon Boat Race Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Chapter Seven: Rising Tides

Prologue: Sudden tides bring change to the winds and clouds; a beauty’s visit hides a dark agenda. It is not that fair ladies cause trouble, but that deep political schemes inflict deeper wounds.

The military camp was bustling just as dawn broke. The news of the imminent arrival of the new Military Supervisor and the Prime Minister’s daughter was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up layers of ripples.

Qin Gong had not slept all night, and faint dark circles shadowed his eyes. He changed his clothes with Ah Sheng’s assistance, his fingers trembling slightly as he tied his sash.

“Strategist, you don’t look well,” Ah Sheng said worriedly. “Shouldn’t you rest a little longer?”

“No need.” Qin Gong shook his head. “Go prepare for the welcoming ceremony.”

In front of the central tent, the generals were already lined up waiting. Wu Ge stood at the very front in full military uniform, his expression stern. Seeing Qin Gong arrive, he nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Qin Gong’s face for a moment, but he said nothing.

At three quarters past the hour of Chen (around 8:45 AM), the sound of hooves echoed in the distance. First came a troop of Imperial Guards cavalry clearing the way, followed by an elaborately decorated carriage, and finally, the retinue of the new Military Supervisor.

The carriage stopped in front of the camp gate. A maid lifted the curtain, and a young woman in a goose-yellow brocade dress gracefully stepped down. She looked about sixteen, with exquisite features and elegant demeanor. This was Su Mo, the only daughter of Prime Minister Su Mingyuan.

“Miss Su, you have traveled far. It must have been tiring,” Wu Ge stepped forward to salute, his tone respectful yet distant.

Su Mo offered a shallow smile, her voice like a yellow oriole emerging from a valley: “General Wu, it is you who truly labors hard fighting for the nation. I have come by imperial decree to comfort the troops and express my humble sentiments.”

Her gaze flowed over Wu Ge’s face, carrying undisguised admiration. Then, she looked at Qin Gong behind Wu Ge: “This must be Strategist Qin, who has repeatedly devised brilliant schemes? You are indeed a man of outstanding talent.”

Qin Gong bowed: “Miss Su is too kind.”

At this moment, the new Military Supervisor also dismounted. He was a civil official around forty, with a refined face and sharp eyes.

“This subordinate, Li Zhen, has been appointed to supervise the army by imperial decree.” He saluted Wu Ge, his attitude neither servile nor arrogant.

“Lord Li,” Wu Ge returned the salute. “Tea and refreshments have been prepared in the tent. Please.”

Everyone moved into the central tent. Su Mo naturally walked beside Wu Ge, chatting cheerfully about the sights she had seen along the way. Qin Gong followed silently behind, watching the two figures walking side by side, a strange heaviness settling in his heart.

Inside the tent, the guests and hosts took their seats. Su Mo’s position was specially arranged on the lower right side of Wu Ge, directly opposite Qin Gong.

“Before I left the capital, His Majesty specifically instructed me to properly reward the Northern Expedition soldiers,” Su Mo said softly. “I brought five hundred jars of imperial wine and three thousand bolts of silk as a token of the Emperor’s grace.”

“This subject represents the entire army in thanking His Majesty for his great benevolence,” Wu Ge stood up and bowed.

“General, please sit,” Su Mo gestured. “Besides comforting the troops, His Majesty also has an oral decree.”

The tent immediately fell silent. Everyone knew that the real drama was about to begin.

Su Mo straightened her expression and announced clearly: “His Majesty says that Beloved Subject Wu, who guards the northern border, has rendered great service to the nation. Now that the fighting has temporarily ceased, it is time for him to consider his lifelong affairs.”

Qin Gong’s heart sank abruptly.

A blush rose on Su Mo’s face, and her voice lowered slightly: “My father recently petitioned His Majesty, expressing his wish to betroth this humble daughter… to the General.”

Although he had anticipated it, hearing the words still made Qin Gong feel dizzy. He instinctively looked at Wu Ge, only to see the General’s face devoid of expression, though the hand resting on his knee was clenched into a fist.

“This…” Wu Ge began, his voice somewhat dry. “I am but a mere military man. I fear I am unworthy of Miss Su.”

“General is too modest,” Su Mo smiled faintly. “Who does not know that General Wu is a pillar of the Great Sheng Dynasty?”

Supervisor Li interjected at the opportune moment: “General Wu, this is a tremendous honor! Miss Su is talented and beautiful. You two are a match made in heaven.”

The generals in the tent exchanged glances, none daring to speak. Everyone knew what this marriage meant—once Wu Ge became the Prime Minister’s son-in-law, he would be completely branded as part of the Su faction.

“This subject…” Wu Ge was about to say something when he was suddenly interrupted by hurried footsteps.

“Report! Urgent military intelligence!” A messenger rushed into the tent. “The Northern Di Chieftain has gathered fifty thousand troops and is advancing toward the border!”

The news came suddenly, but it perfectly saved Wu Ge from his predicament.

“The military situation is urgent. The marriage proposal will be discussed later,” Wu Ge immediately stood up. “All generals, heed my command!”

The generals rose one after another, and the atmosphere in the tent instantly shifted.

Su Mo’s expression changed slightly, but she quickly recovered: “In that case, military matters are paramount. I shall take my leave first.”

After Su Mo and Supervisor Li departed, Wu Ge immediately deployed the defenses. His command was still steady and powerful, as if the previous interlude had never happened.

But Qin Gong noticed that in the moments when no one was watching, Wu Ge’s brow remained tightly furrowed.

The military council lasted for an hour. After the meeting dispersed, Wu Ge kept Qin Gong behind.

“What do you think?” He asked about the military situation, but Qin Gong knew he was asking about more than just that.

“The Northern Di Chieftain was recently defeated. It’s unusual for him to return so quickly,” Qin Gong said. “Unless… he has received some kind of assurance.”

“Are you saying…” Wu Ge’s eyes narrowed.

“Someone in the court does not want to see the Northern Expedition succeed,” Qin Gong lowered his voice. “And they certainly do not want to see the Commander… refuse this marriage.”

Wu Ge was silent for a long time, then suddenly said: “I will not marry her.”

The words were spoken with absolute finality, and Qin Gong was stunned.

“But the Prime Minister’s influence is vast. If you refuse…”

“That is my concern,” Wu Ge interrupted him. “You don’t need to worry.”

The words were spoken so naturally, as if protecting Qin Gong was his instinct. Qin Gong felt a warmth in his heart, unsure how to respond.

Just then, a personal guard reported: “Commander, Miss Su requests an audience.”

Wu Ge frowned: “Invite her in.”

Su Mo had returned, this time accompanied only by a personal maid. She had changed into a simple, elegant dress, which made her appear even more delicate and moving.

“I apologize for interrupting the General’s meeting,” she curtsied. “I came because I wanted to consult Strategist Qin on a few matters.”

Qin Gong looked at her in surprise.

Su Mo smiled faintly: “I have long heard that the Strategist is resourceful and has unique insights into the Northern Di situation. What do you believe is the appropriate response right now?”

The question was posed skillfully, demonstrating her intelligence without overstepping her boundaries.

Qin Gong answered cautiously: “The Northern Di were recently defeated, and their morale is unstable. A large-scale invasion at this time must be suspicious. I believe we should remain calm and observe the situation, first clarifying the truth.”

“The Strategist’s insight is profound,” Su Mo nodded. “However, I have heard that the various Northern Di tribes are not a unified whole. If we could sow discord and dismantle them…”

She spoke eloquently, and her understanding of the internal conflicts within the Northern Di surprised Qin Gong. This daughter of the Prime Minister was indeed no ordinary sheltered woman.

Wu Ge listened silently throughout, his gaze moving back and forth between Su Mo and Qin Gong.

“Miss Su’s knowledge is extraordinary,” Qin Gong sincerely praised her after she finished speaking.

“The Strategist is too kind,” Su Mo smiled lightly. “My father often says that a general must not only understand military affairs but also politics. The threat of the Northern Di is, ultimately, a threat from the imperial court.”

The remark was pointed, and the atmosphere in the tent became subtle once more.

“Miss speaks the truth,” Wu Ge finally spoke. “It is getting late, and Miss has endured a tiring journey. You should rest early.”

This was a clear dismissal. Su Mo was perceptive and immediately rose to bid farewell.

After she left, a long silence fell over the tent.

“What do you think?” Wu Ge asked the question again, this time clearly referring to Su Mo.

“Very clever,” Qin Gong replied truthfully. “And very dangerous.”

Wu Ge sneered: “The Prime Minister sent her here to make me understand the price of refusing this marriage.”

“How does the Commander plan to respond?”

Wu Ge walked to the tent entrance, gazing at the distant mountains: “I, Wu Ge, act only to satisfy my conscience. Marriage, especially, cannot become a political bargaining chip.”

He turned to look at Qin Gong, his gaze deep: “My heart has long belonged to someone else.”

The words exploded in Qin Gong’s ears like thunder. He looked at Wu Ge, his heart pounding wildly, yet he dared not delve into the meaning of that sentence.

Just then, Lieutenant Sun rushed in: “Commander, we’ve confirmed it! The Northern Di army is a feint. The true vanguard consists of only five thousand men!”

Just as expected. Qin Gong and Wu Ge exchanged a look, both understanding that this was a tactic by certain individuals in the court—using false military intelligence to pressure Wu Ge into compliance.

“Order all camps to strengthen their defenses, but do not panic,” Wu Ge commanded. “Also, send men to closely monitor the movements of Supervisor Li and Miss Su.”

“Yes, sir!”

After Lieutenant Sun left, Wu Ge said to Qin Gong: “This play has just begun. You… must be extra careful.”

His tone carried a rare concern, warming Qin Gong’s heart, and he nodded.

That night, Qin Gong was sleepless again. Wu Ge’s words, “My heart has long belonged to someone else,” echoed repeatedly in his mind.

He dared not think about who that person was, yet he couldn’t help but wonder.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water. But his heart was even more bewildered than the moonlight.