Dragon Boat Race Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Chapter Ten: Aftermath

Epigraph: After the disaster, affection deepens, but hidden currents surge, increasing the danger. Not a time to indulge in comfort, but to tread carefully, awaiting the opportune moment.

The thick smoke from the burned provisions did not dissipate for three days, and the Northern Di army camp was plunged into chaos. Warhorses neighed incessantly due to the lack of feed, and the soldiers’ resentment permeated the camp. Scouts from the Northern Expedition Army reported that the Di soldiers had begun slaughtering warhorses to stave off hunger.

Inside the main command tent, however, the atmosphere was anything but relaxed.

“The Strategist has performed a great service this time,” Supervisor Li said, stroking his beard, his eyes filled with scrutiny. “But this official is very curious: how did the Strategist manage to retreat unscathed from the midst of thousands of enemy troops?”

Qin Gong’s face was still pale; the peril of that night was vivid in his memory. He answered calmly, “It was entirely thanks to the soldiers’ dedication, and… a little luck.”

“Luck?” Li Zhen chuckled lightly. “The Strategist’s luck seems a little too good. It is said that someone saw the Commander personally leading troops to provide support that night…”

“It was the support unit I dispatched,” Wu Ge interrupted, his tone cold and hard. “How could the Strategist venture deep behind enemy lines without a contingency plan?”

Su Mo spoke softly, “Lord Li is overly concerned. The Strategist deserves a reward for achieving such a great merit.” She turned to Wu Ge, “What do you think, General?”

“Naturally, he must be rewarded.” Wu Ge looked at Qin Gong, his gaze carrying an imperceptible concern. “What reward does the Strategist desire?”

Qin Gong bowed. “This was merely performing my duty; I dare not ask for a reward.”

“How can that be,” Su Mo smiled faintly. “Why don’t I make a suggestion? I heard the Strategist has always been frail. I brought some high-quality medicinal herbs this time; I shall gift them to the Strategist to nourish his body.”

The words sounded considerate, but Qin Gong’s heart tightened. Su Mo knew his situation so well, she had clearly investigated him thoroughly.

“Thank you for your kindness, Miss Su.” Qin Gong refused without changing his expression. “However, my status is humble, and I dare not accept such a generous gift.”

“The Strategist is too modest.” Su Mo’s smile was impeccable. “You are the Commander’s trusted right-hand man; naturally, you are worthy of it.”

This conversation, laced with hidden barbs, was interrupted by a sudden military report.

“Report! The Northern Di have sent an envoy requesting peace talks!”

This news stunned everyone in the tent. The Northern Di Khan actively seeking peace was unprecedented.

“Bring the envoy in,” Wu Ge ordered.

The Northern Di envoy was a lean middle-aged man with a composed demeanor, clearly an experienced veteran. He performed a Di tribal salute and spoke in fluent Han Chinese:

“The Khan is willing to withdraw the troops, but there is one condition.”

“What condition?” Wu Ge asked.

“We ask that Great Sheng cede three hundred li north of Xishan to the Northern Di,” the envoy stated. “Additionally, Great Sheng must annually present one hundred thousand taels of silver and fifty thousand bolts of silk.”

“Absurd!” General Zhao roared in anger. “A defeated army dares to propose such terms?”

The envoy remained unhurried. “Although our army has suffered a temporary setback, our main force remains intact. If we are forced to fight to the death, your army may not gain the advantage.”

Wu Ge sneered, “Then let us settle the matter on the battlefield.”

“Wait, General.” The envoy suddenly looked at Qin Gong. “This must be Strategist Qin? The Khan specifically instructed that if the Strategist is willing to be a guest in the Northern Di, the terms can be renegotiated.”

These words struck like thunder, and the tent immediately erupted in an uproar.

“Insolence!” Wu Ge stood up abruptly, killing intent flashing in his eyes.

The envoy remained composed. “A genius like the Strategist would certainly be highly valued in the Northern Di. It is better than being here… subjected to suspicion.”

His gaze meaningfully swept over Supervisor Li and Su Mo.

Qin Gong responded calmly, “I am a citizen of Great Sheng; I will never serve a second master in this life.”

“A pity,” the envoy shook his head. “Then we shall meet on the battlefield.”

After the envoy left, the atmosphere in the tent grew even heavier.

“How did the Northern Di know about the Strategist?” Lieutenant Sun wondered.

Supervisor Li snorted coldly. “Perhaps someone leaked the information.”

The implication was too obvious, and Qin Gong’s internal alarm bells rang loudly. The Northern Di envoy’s words, combined with Supervisor Li’s insinuation, made it easy for people to suspect collusion with the Northern Di.

“This matter ends here,” Wu Ge said gravely. “The immediate priority is preparing for battle.”

After the military council concluded, Wu Ge specifically detained Qin Gong.

“You must be extra careful these days,” Wu Ge said in a low voice. “I suspect there are Northern Di spies in the army.”

Qin Gong nodded. “I feel the same way. The Northern Di know too much about our situation.”

“It’s not just the Northern Di…” Wu Ge hesitated, but finally just said, “In any case, you must be extremely cautious.”

Over the next few days, Qin Gong clearly felt the change in the gazes around him. There was admiration, curiosity, but also suspicion and apprehension. Even General Zhao, who had always been friendly with him, looked at him with a hint of scrutiny.

That evening, Qin Gong was walking alone in the camp and unknowingly found himself by the river again. He saw Su Mo standing by the bank, staring blankly at the flowing water.

“Miss Su.” Qin Gong bowed, intending to leave.

“Strategist, please wait.” Su Mo turned, a faint sadness on her face. “Could you keep me company for a moment?”

Qin Gong found it difficult to refuse and stopped.

“Does the Strategist believe that women should be content to stay home, marry, and raise children?” Su Mo suddenly asked.

The question caught Qin Gong off guard. He answered cautiously, “Everyone has their own aspirations; they should not be bound by status.”

Su Mo smiled. “The Strategist is indeed different.” She looked at the river. “I studied and practiced martial arts since childhood, hoping to prove that women are no less capable than men. Yet, in the end, I cannot escape the fate of a political marriage.”

Qin Gong remained silent. He understood Su Mo’s helplessness but could offer no comfort.

“Does the Strategist know,” Su Mo turned to look at him, “that I actually envy you?”

“Envy me?”

“I envy that you can gain importance through genuine talent and learning, and I envy that you can… receive true affection.” Su Mo’s gaze deepened. “Instead of being a political bargaining chip.”

Qin Gong’s heart jolted, but he forced himself to remain calm. “Miss Su, why do you say that?”

“I can see it,” Su Mo said softly. “The way the Commander looks at you is different from how he looks at others.”

Qin Gong had no response to this.

“The Strategist need not be nervous.” Su Mo smiled. “Though I envy you, I will do nothing. After all… we are both people whose fates are not entirely our own.”

After saying this, she bowed and turned to leave.

Qin Gong watched her retreating figure, a mix of emotions churning within him. Su Mo was a clever woman; she had likely long discerned the nature of his relationship with Wu Ge. But she chose to hint at it rather than expose it, the intention behind which required deep thought.

Back at his tent, A-Sheng rushed up anxiously. “Strategist, you’re finally back. The Commander came looking for you just now; he seemed very worried.”

Qin Gong’s heart tightened. “What happened?”

“I’m not sure, but the Commander asked you to see him immediately upon your return.”

Qin Gong immediately hurried to the main command tent. Inside, Wu Ge was pacing, his expression grave.

“You’re finally back,” Wu Ge said, visibly relieved to see him. “I just received a secret report: someone in the court has impeached you for colluding with the enemy.”

Although Qin Gong had anticipated this, his heart sank upon hearing the news.

“What is the evidence?”

“The Northern Di envoy’s words were reported back with added embellishments,” Wu Ge said. “Plus, Supervisor Li’s secret memorial…”

“Supervisor Li?”

“He wrote to the Emperor saying that your prestige in the army is too high, fearing it might lead to trouble.” Wu Ge’s voice was laced with anger. “He also insinuated that your relationship with me is unusual…”

The words caused silence between them. The candlelight in the tent crackled, illuminating their solemn faces.

“What do you plan to do?” Qin Gong asked.

Wu Ge walked up to him and took his hand. “No matter what, I will protect you.”

“But…”

“No buts,” Wu Ge interrupted him. “I have already written to His Majesty, offering to guarantee your innocence with my military merits.”

Qin Gong looked at his resolute gaze, and his anxiety gradually subsided. He squeezed Wu Ge’s hand in return. “We will face this together.”

In that moment, they both knew that the real test was just beginning. The open and hidden attacks from the imperial court were far more treacherous than the clash of swords on the battlefield.

But as long as they stood side by side, there was nothing to fear.