Section 031: Qi Commandery’s Delayed Troops

Lu Rou stepped forward and admitted openly that she had pleaded with Li Dong to save her father, leaving Lu Li’er with nothing more to say. After a long sigh, he spoke: “Since you two are of one mind, as your father, I can finally lay down this worry. Yet the times are chaotic, and I can barely safeguard myself; your marriage will have to be postponed.”

Li Dong’s heart warmed as he heard this. “Now is indeed not the best moment to discuss such matters. But with you both safe, my worries are gone. I can now devote myself to facing Zhi Shilang without reservation. Within ten days, I will drive him out of Zhangqiu City.”

Lu Li’er, older and more experienced, had suspected since his rescue from the execution ground that Li Dong acted out of necessity, relying on Zhi Shilang to preserve his strength. Hearing Li Dong speak plainly now, he finally believed it.

Lu Rou, hearing her father's words, blushed deeply. Covering her eyes with both hands, she turned to flee.

The side room’s door opened silently, and a shadow slipped inside.

“Trouble is coming—a squad is heading this way. You’d best hide for safety.” It was Du Yu, who had been keeping watch outside. Sensing something amiss, he hurried in to warn them, only to catch sight of Lu Rou’s pristine skin after her clothing had been removed.

Du Yu was mortified and quickly retreated outside. One must not look at what is not proper, nor listen. Yet, after that brief glance, he found himself harboring an affection for Lu Rou. The solitude of the past days only added fuel to his wandering thoughts.

He knew full well that Lu Rou and Li Dong had gained parental approval; in the near future, they would wed and consummate their union. He himself, whether in appearance, background, or even age, was utterly unmatched—closer in age to Lu Li’er, much older than her. Still, he could not help but recall that fleeting scene.

Since he could not be the one to give her happiness, he vowed to protect her happiness with all he had. Du Yu silently resolved that as long as he drew breath, he would not allow Lu Rou to suffer any harm.

When the scouts drew near, Du Yu couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. It was merely a false alarm, he thought, but the seriousness of the newcomers piqued his curiosity.

The leader was Zhang Junke, whose face showed some anxiety. Upon seeing Du Yu, he bowed deeply. “Benefactor, what brings you here?”

Du Yu did not answer, but asked in return, “And what is your purpose here?” Besides Du Fuwei, hardly anyone knew Lu Rou was hiding here. Zhang Junke’s arrival with a squad suggested some unforeseen change. Du Yu dared not reply rashly, so he questioned him instead.

Zhang Junke replied, “Zhang Xutuo of Qi Commandery has brought troops to attack Zhangqiu, and is now near the west gate. I have come mainly to invite General Li Dong to meet with Zhi Shilang and discuss important matters.”

“How do you know he is here?” Du Yu was taken aback; Zhang Xutuo had finally arrived, albeit late, letting Zhangqiu suffer two days at the hands of the marauders. Still, caution was needed—war is full of deception, and for the safety of those inside, he had to be doubly careful.

“Du Fuwei told me. I had no other choice. If I delay too long, Zhi Shilang may grow suspicious. Please inform General Li Dong quickly,” Zhang Junke urged.

Du Yu nodded, had them wait outside, and slipped into the courtyard.

After successfully defending Zhangqiu, Li Dong had won particular admiration from Zhi Shilang, who now addressed him with respect, always calling him ‘General.’ All who served under him called him thus. What, then, was Zhi Shilang’s true identity? Everyone knew well enough: Wang Bo intended to claim kingship and dominance, potentially even reaching for the Central Plains, though none spoke of it openly. Some, pursuing fame and fortune, were determined to follow him, aspiring to become illustrious founders of a new dynasty.

But they had encountered Li Dong and Zhang Xutuo, and more importantly, neither sided with them.

Du Yu entered and greeted Li Dong and Lu Li’er. “Good news, my lord. Zhang Xutuo of Qi Commandery has brought troops to attack Zhangqiu.”

Lu Li’er’s spirits lifted. After pondering for a moment, he tore off a piece of cloth, spread it on the ground, bit his finger, and wrote a letter in blood. Its gist was to convince Zhang Xutuo of Li Dong’s character, and that he had already reclaimed Zhangqiu from the marauders.

He handed it to Li Dong.

Li Dong tucked it away and bid farewell to the father and daughter.

By then, Lu Rou had already dressed. Seeing her father bite his finger, she hurried to bandage him, gazing longingly at Li Dong as he strode away, unable to hide her affection.

Li Dong was the first handsome young man she had ever met, possessing both wisdom and courage. Unknowingly, her heart had been pledged to him. Coincidentally, Li Hun also wished for Li Dong to marry her, and after all that had happened, Li Dong’s character was ever more apparent. Not only Lu Rou, but even Lu Li’er, who had benefited several times from his kindness, had long intended to marry his daughter to him.

Li Dong met Zhang Junke outside the courtyard, exchanged a few words, and understood the situation. He felt a surge of satisfaction; this was a rare opportunity, not to be missed. Yet, driving Zhi Shilang out of Zhangqiu would not be easy.

The circumstances had changed greatly. Previously, Li Dong’s main responsibility was to defend Zhangqiu from attack. Now, he had to use the forces of both sides to help Zhang Xutuo capture the city. Assaulting a city was at least ten times harder than defending it.

On the road to the county office, Li Dong noticed a mill by the roadside. A donkey, blindfolded, harnessed and saddled, turned the massive millstone with slow, relentless steps. Grain, whole at first, was gradually ground to powder between the two stones.

He had eaten pork and seen pigs run, eaten flour but never known how it was made. Curious, Li Dong pondered the relationship between millstones and grain as he walked, and just before reaching the county office, he suddenly grasped a principle. If applied to military formations, it would be an unprecedented stratagem: unmatched by any before or after.

He wondered if this stratagem would prove as effective as he imagined. With Zhang Xutuo attacking Zhangqiu, he could seize the chance to test it. If victorious, he would later compile the ‘Li Dong Art of War,’ for future generations to study his ingenious tactics—a deed of immeasurable merit.

Pleased, Li Dong asked Zhang Junke, “Did you notice anything about that donkey turning the mill?”

Zhang Junke was utterly perplexed. What could be so remarkable about a donkey at a mill? If not seen daily, it was certainly common enough. He laughed, “I am dull-minded, thinking only of how to defend Zhangqiu, never in such terms. Please enlighten me, General.”

Li Dong chuckled but did not explain, gesturing with a smile. “Come, let us meet Zhi Shilang and see what instructions he has.”

Zhang Junke knew Li Dong’s thoughts and actions differed from ordinary men, which was why he always stood on the winning side. Having been saved by him before, Zhang Junke was intensely curious, eager to learn what kind of stratagem Li Dong had conceived.

But as they spoke, they arrived at the county office grand hall, where everyone stood in strict formation, tense and alert, as if facing a great enemy. The atmosphere was heavy, so Zhang Junke set aside his question for now, waiting to hear what ingenious plan Wang Bo would devise in response to Zhang Xutuo’s assault—whether he would prove superior or inferior to Li Dong.

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