Willingly Serving as a Stepping Stone for Mounting a Horse

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Yang Guang took the long sword, turning it over and examining it several times, but found nothing unusual about it. He felt very puzzled. When they were at the city wall of Liaodong, the sword had shone brilliantly, dazzling the eyes. How could it have become just an ordinary black iron sword in his hands? Truly strange.

Many inside the tent stared at the sword in Emperor Yang Guang’s hand, all recognizing it as a common weapon, and eagerly awaited his judgment. They admired Dang Yuqian immensely and, by extension, treasured his sword as well.

Yang Guang looked up and saw many with ill-intent in their eyes, and he grew awkward. Perhaps he was being too suspicious, making a joke that was neither big nor small—how would he explain himself later?

Suspicion came with intelligence. All clever people tend to think badly of others because their strong defensive mindset always fears harm or deceit from others.

After a moment’s thought, he devised a plan. He handed the sword to Lu Lao San beside him and said, “Reward Dang Yuqian!”

Lu Lao San thought he had misheard and did not move toward Li Dong but stood still, asking, “Your Majesty means to reward Dang Yuqian with this sword?”

Yang Guang nodded.

The ministers were bewildered and couldn’t grasp what game he was playing. The sword had belonged to Dang Yuqian all along! Why now reward it back to him? It wasn’t even a borrowed gift.

Yang Guang said, “I see this sword as greatly extraordinary, a top-quality blade! Its wielder is brave, and thus the sword is uniquely exceptional. Victory lies not in the weapon but in the swordsman! So, I hereby re-bestow this sword to Dang Yuqian, who shall carry it for life to protect the emperor without fail!”

“Oh!” Everyone suddenly understood. The emperor meant that this sword could now guard the palace, elevating Dang Yuqian’s status along with it!

Everyone could see it was just a plain sword, but no one dared to point out the emperor’s folly. They all feigned ignorance, unwilling to anger the Sui emperor.

Li Dong heard the award announcement, feeling his nerves settle as the fifteen buckets of water in his stomach finally drained away. That was close! If Yang Guang hadn’t covered for him and one minister had criticized the sword, he would have been in deep trouble!

Now, he could officially use the genuine rare iron sword to guard the emperor, and no one would dare scheme against him. Haha! When falsehood becomes truth and truth falsehood, the affairs of the court become amusing indeed.

Then, Yang Guang announced the banquet would commence, and everyone began to dine.

At this moment, Fei Qingnu looked extremely embarrassed, his heart clenched tightly. Among all the ministers present, only he understood. Tonight, Etzi Wende would send men to launch a surprise attack on the Sui army camp. With every passing second, his heart grew tighter.

He was hoping, anticipating, and also considering. When the battle came, should he kill Etzi Wende, silence the traitor, or betray Sui and join Goguryeo? In the end, he made a harsh decision—to kill Etzi Wende, sacrificing a pawn to save the king, pledging lifelong loyalty to General Lai.

But left and right, no sign of the attack came. Until the banquet ended, the camp remained silent and still.

He was utterly discouraged. What kind of trick was Etzi Wende playing? The information was so critical; he risked his life to reveal it, yet no assault came, missing the perfect opportunity. Goguryeo deserved to be destroyed! As for himself, he was ready to die.

Lai Huer, who knew him well, saw his restlessness and quietly asked, “Fei Wuben, what weighs so heavily on your mind?”

“Uh—” Fei Qingnu was startled and feigned nonchalance, forcing a laugh as he said, “I was thinking that since Dang Yuqian has received the emperor’s great favor, after the banquet, I must apologize to him and seek his forgiveness.”

Lai Huer nodded in satisfaction and continued eating.

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The banquet ended without any disturbance in the camp. Fei Qingnu’s disappointment was profound. He had pinned his hopes on Etzi Wende to kill the traitors and redeem his past sins. Now, it seemed impossible not to bow to Dang Yuqian. Resigned to fate, he accepted his self-made misery.

After the feast, Li Dong went to the armory to retrieve some personal items. Yang Guang gifted him a horse, instructing Lu Lao San to accompany him for a swift round trip.

Once Yang Guang departed, Yu Zhongwen was the first to approach Li Dong. Grasping his hand, he smiled and said, “Protector Dang’s promotion brings me great joy! Many will soon seek your favor to speak well before the sage. I have a few blunt words of sincere advice: do not be greedy for small gains at the expense of the bigger picture, and avoid befriending foreign officials. The officialdom is a vast dye vat—only by keeping oneself pure can one last long. You are still young with a boundless future; cherish and respect yourself.”

Though his words were harsh, Li Dong recognized Yu Zhongwen’s genuine goodwill.

Things were no longer as before; Li Dong was no longer the small blacksmith hiding in the east. He constantly accompanied the emperor, understanding his needs, dislikes, and preferences.

Anyone who wished for the emperor’s favor had to pass through him first. Even the favored could not withstand a single person whispering slights behind the emperor’s back. This position was a plum post.

Li Dong chuckled, “I shall remember your counsel, General! You need not send me gifts—your words are the greatest gift of all!”

Yu Zhongwen’s face brightened with a smile. Pointing at Li Dong, he winked playfully like an old mischievous child.

Yuwen Shu arrived with his three sons, clasping hands in salute and praising Li Dong: “A young man’s swift rise and meritorious service—it’s a leap to the stars! Truly joyous and worthy of celebration! This old fool would like to invite Protector Dang to visit my tent tomorrow for a chat—would you have time?”

Li Dong cursed inwardly, just as General Yu had said, this fellow was now fawning and currying favor. He replied coldly, “Just appointed, I have much to learn about the rules. Perhaps after a year or half a year, I will seek your guidance.”

“Oh—too long! How about a shorter time?” Yuwen Shu ignored Li Dong’s coldness, waving his hands for another time.

Li Dong thought carefully. Trouble was afoot, but he smiled brightly and said, “Since General Yuwen is so kind, how about ten or eight years then?”

“Ha ha—Protector Dang jokes! In ten or eight years, I may well be gone!” Yuwen Shu’s anger rose, but his face still smiled. “How about this? Tomorrow, my three unworthy sons will request leave to visit your camp for some instruction and amusement. The emperor will surely agree!”

Li Dong understood: he was saying, “No need for you to speak well before the emperor; I can win his trust and arrange your leave too!” A veiled threat not to be too conspicuous.

“Since the general is so confident, we shall see tomorrow!” Li Dong’s radiant smile masked his anger. That treacherous white-faced schemer! Just wait—I’ll deal with you!

Yuwen Shu turned and left, unsure whether he had gained an advantage or suffered a loss. His three sons stomped off in anger, casting hateful glances at Li Dong.

Li Dong was busy handling the endless stream of ministers and didn’t notice.

Lu Lao San watched anxiously, worrying for Li Dong. Thinking, “We are all Protector’s guards—what harms one harms all, what honors one honors all. I must warn him: don’t be too arrogant just because you’ve had a taste of success. But will he listen to me at this time?”

The last to offer congratulations were General Lai, Fei Qingnu, and Zhou Fashang.

Just then, Qin Qiong appeared from somewhere, advising Li Dong to be prudent and not overly boastful.

Li Dong chuckled and reassured him that he knew his limits. Qin Qiong said no more.

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Li Dong patted Fei Qingnu’s horse and said, “Anything else to say? If not, I’m mounting up!”

General Lai immediately understood and gestured to Fei Qingnu to approach.

Looking around and seeing the ministers had all left, with only Dang Yuqian, General Lai, and a few others nearby, Fei Qingnu gritted his teeth and knelt before the horse, lowering his head and placing both hands on the ground: “Protector Dang, you have worked hard. Please mount!”

When Fei Qingnu stepped onto Qin Qiong’s back to mount, Li Dong silently swore vengeance. Now was the moment to mount and signal Fei Qingnu over. If he made his demand too explicit, it would look like coercion, forcing compliance and causing loss of face. By kneeling voluntarily, it showed willingness and no one would look down on him.

Qin Qiong watched this with complicated feelings—relieved that Li Dong avenged him, yet worried for Li Dong’s future. If Li Dong fell from power, Fei Qingnu might retaliate fiercely. He hoped Li Dong wouldn’t mount on Fei Qingnu’s back, sparing him so they could remain friends.

Lu Lao San was secretly alarmed, thinking Fei Qingnu must have committed an unforgivable crime to accept such a heavy price. Truly, one must not do evil lest heaven’s wrath descend sooner or later!

Li Dong ignored everyone, including the humiliated Qin Qiong. Just as he was about to mount with one foot on Fei Qingnu’s back, he suddenly remembered something and turned to ask General Lai, “What military crimes have Dou Jiande and Liu Heita committed? They are still imprisoned? Are they to be judged by His Majesty?”

Seeing Fei Qingnu kneel willingly before the horse, Li Dong stepped up lightly. Lai Huer’s heart ached but then eased. To preserve the greater good, Fei Qingnu must suffer humiliation. Given his nature, he might bully others and cause greater trouble.

General Lai noticed Li Dong’s sudden pause with his feet firmly on Fei Qingnu’s back and felt a pang of sorrow. He quickly said, “Dou Jiande and Liu Heita will be released tonight. I will personally apologize to His Majesty tomorrow.”

“Oh… then thank you, General Lai,” Li Dong said, clasping his fists. Still standing on Fei Qingnu’s back, he looked down and asked, “Etzi Wende has a message for you. Do you wish to hear it?”

Fei Qingnu trembled, almost losing balance, sweat running down his face like tiny worms.

General Lai also trembled inwardly, thinking, “Dang Yuqian, don’t push him too hard! Fei Qingnu is already groveling for mercy. A cornered dog will jump over the wall, let alone a valiant warrior!”

Fei Qingnu was terrified, chattering his teeth with a long “clack clack” before stammering, “Please… Protector Dang… have mercy!”

Li Dong sneered coldly. “Etzi Wende set a trap to drive a wedge between you, me, and General Lai. Fortunately, I saw through his scheme and did not fall for it. I tell you now to beware and not be deceived! Take care of yourself!”

His words were actually a reprieve. He spared him because he had no solid evidence. Even if evidence surfaced later, he preferred to let him off rather than sully him further. Only such a treacherous minister in charge of the militia gave Li Dong his chance to thrive in chaotic times.

Having said that, Li Dong mounted his horse and let Fei Qingnu stand.

On horseback, Li Dong bowed his fists to all and said, “You may think I am arrogant, but this is the rule: those who strike are often struck, those who bully are often bullied. Only by standing straight will your shadow not be crooked. Of course, this excludes those already bent like a hunchback!”

(To be continued…)

P.S.: Li Dong’s official rank was originally set as third grade but was changed to the fourth grade during writing. Later, the original third grade was used again. Revising VIP chapters is cumbersome, so this note is here. Thank you all for your support! Please recommend and tip if you enjoy it. Thank you.

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