knife

Chapter 15 Change of Face
There weren't many riders rushing towards them, only a mere hundred or so.

Linghu Zhishu, the leader, is not well known to many, but in this land beyond the Great Wall, the surname Linghu itself represents something special. No one dares to disrespect or fail to give people with this surname any respect.

Outside the Great Wall, there are quite a few people with the surname Linghu, including generals, military advisors, and local officials. Over the years, Linghu Ye has gone from acting furtively to acting openly, using his relatives to create a vast and all-encompassing network.

The Linghu clan was a large clan.

There is absolutely no shortage of outstanding talent.

Since Linghu Ye took control of the situation outside the pass, the elite members of the Linghu clan began to leave the pass in large numbers. As for those members who remained inside the pass, they were basically spoiled brats who were just waiting to die or old and decrepit people.

These people can practically be considered hostages.

Linghu Qiu, the nominal patriarch of the Linghu clan, is still serving in Chang'an!

As Linghu Ye's power outside the Great Wall became more and more consolidated and stronger over the years, Linghu Qiu's official position also began to rise steadily, from a fifth-rank remonstrating official to a third-rank imperial censor.

When Zhang Ruo was demoted from Chang'an, it was rumored that some people in the court even suggested that Linghu Qiu's title be directly raised to the first rank to appease Linghu Ye.

Those members of the Linghu clan who remained within the control of the imperial court were all potential sacrifices, including their current clan leader, Linghu Qiu. If Linghu Ye really wanted to do something, those people would inevitably become sacrifices.

But what does that matter?

Those who remained lived a life of luxury and indulgence. The only contribution they could make to the family was to die for the Linghu surname when necessary.

That is their greatest value.

This is also the greatest contribution they could make to the Linghu family.

Therefore, there are basically no useless people with the surname Linghu outside the Great Wall.

Those who hold high positions outside the Great Wall are the elite.

Someone like Linghu Zhishu, who is little known to the outside world but highly valued by people like Li Dachui and Xiao Changche, can be called a remarkable figure.

Linghu Zhishu was the secretary and military advisor of the Marshal's Mansion.

Simply put, they were Commander Linghu's scribes, helping him draft memorials, military orders, and other documents, while also being responsible for things like personnel recruitment, condolences, pensions, sacrifices, and pilgrimages.

Although their rank was not high, they truly wielded real power.

Linghu Zhishu, the secretary and military advisor, was even more different.

Because he was also in charge of intelligence coordination for the army outside the pass, as well as some things that Commander Linghu did not want outsiders to know.

Xiao Changche knew about Iron Curtain, the private institution of the warlord, but for the major powers outside the Great Wall, it was an even more well-known name.

Because everyone does shady things, we inevitably have to interact with each other in our daily lives.

He called me "brother" so affectionately to my face.

But given the chance, pulling out a knife and stabbing someone is something that doesn't require much thought.

Of course, when cooperation is needed, we will definitely work together wholeheartedly.

When they can double-cross each other,
There will be absolutely no hesitation.

Linghu Zhishu was an extremely important figure in the military group outside the Great Wall.

But this person rarely leaves Zhenwu City.

But now he's here.

Xiao Changche gave Li Dachui a deep look.

This man has entanglements with the Marshal's Mansion, and he also has a deep relationship with the Lord of Tai'an City. He possesses a powerful military force unknown to outsiders.

But he kept all of this deeply hidden.

Outsiders thought he was just a ruthless bandit with unpredictable methods, feared and helpless by the government. Little did they know that in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, this was nothing more than a smokescreen.

I've known this person for several years, but I've never really figured out what he's trying to do.

"I'd like to see what tricks you've used!" he said coldly.

Li Dachui laughed and said, "You really want to know?"

Xiao Changche took a deep breath, his eyes turned up, and his lips were tightly pursed. Combined with his handsome face, he was truly unforgettable.

As a third-rank cavalry general, Xiao Changche, although subordinate to Linghu Ye, remarkably maintained a certain degree of independence.

He is a representative figure of local groups outside the Great Wall.
With a broad local base,
He possesses exceptional martial prowess and outstanding military capabilities, making him a figure that Linghu Ye greatly fears yet has no choice but to rely on.

Xiao Changche himself was actually trying very hard to maintain his independence within the military group outside the Great Wall.

Aside from his martial arts and military achievements, Linghu Ye's political skills far surpass those of Xiao Changche. As more and more local forces have sided with Linghu Ye, Xiao Changche has faced increasing pressure over the years.

This is also why Xiao Changche was unwilling to fall out with Li Dachui.
Li Dachui is an extremely complex person. He has connections with almost all the forces outside the Great Wall and seems to be able to establish a relationship with them all.

But it seems he won't give face to anyone.

As far as Xiao Changche knew, some of the businesses that Linghu Zhishu was in charge of had been robbed multiple times by this guy nicknamed Li Dachui.

And each time, it ended inconclusively.

This Li Dachui actually had the audacity to appear at the Marshal's mansion and become a guest of honor of the Marshal.

Xiao Changche pondered the intricate details, the more he tried to untangle the knotted threads, the more troubled he became, and he felt quite troubled.

Compared to quelling bandits and resisting the Northern Yuan, dealing with these relationships was truly more difficult for him.

He suddenly began to hate himself.

If one's martial arts cultivation advances by leaps and bounds, reaching the Innate Realm, then all demons and monsters can be slain with a single strike, and all these troubles will disappear.

The sound of hooves thundered, and a hundred or so riders swiftly arrived at the midpoint between the two armies.

Linghu Zhishu was just over thirty years old. His beard was neatly combed, and beneath his black turban, his face was marked by the ravages of time. His square face was angular and sharp, as if carved by a knife and axe. He was not much older than Xiao Changche, but at first glance, it would not be surprising to think that they were from two different generations.

Linghu Zhishu reined in his horse, glanced at the tall mound of skulls, his lips curving downwards even more, and bowed to Xiao Changche, saying, "General Xiao, you've worked hard!"

"Suppressing bandits and thieves is my duty, nothing to worry about. How are you, Commander?" Xiao Changche nodded, his face devoid of any smile, his expression completely businesslike.

He was a third-rank general in the imperial court. Although Linghu Zhishu held great power, he was merely the general's private advisor. Therefore, it was not considered impolite of him not to return the courtesy.

"Greetings, General." Linghu Zhishu finally smiled. "Mieyuan is almost a year old. General has prepared a precious gift for Mieyuan. It will surely satisfy you, General Xiao."

Xiao Mieyuan was the son born to Xiao Changche by the concubines of the Left Wise King, whom he had seized. He was also Xiao Changche's only son.

He was named Xiao Mieyuan.

Simple and direct.

"Please thank the Commander on my behalf. Once this busy period is over, I, Xiao, will go to Zhenwu City to report to the Commander!"

"There's no need to rush. Anyway, the New Year is not far away. All the generals from beyond the Great Wall will gather together then, and we can hold everything at once, which will save us a lot of trouble!" Linghu Zhishu said with satisfaction.

Regardless of Xiao Changche's character, as long as he remains respectful to the commander-in-chief, it will be a good outcome.

The reason Linghu Ye was unusually tolerant of Xiao Changche was that Xiao Changche did not have much affection for the court in Chang'an. His biggest wish was to destroy the Northern Yuan and behead all the princes and nobles of the Northern Yuan, piling their heads into a mound of skulls.

Therefore, as long as Linghu Ye remains an enemy of Bei Yuan, continues to fight against Bei Yuan, and continues to take the destruction of Bei Yuan as his mission, Xiao Changche will absolutely serve Linghu Ye wholeheartedly.

Xiao Changche's gaze shifted to an old man with white hair behind Linghu Zhishu, who was wrapped tightly in a cloak and huddled on his horse. Unusually, he cupped his hands and said, "Elder Chang, it's been a long time."

The old man on horseback smiled and said, "General Xiao, it's been a year and a month since we last met. The last time we met was when you went to Zhenwu City to report on your duties last year."

"Last year, Master Chang pointed out the shortcomings in my martial arts. This year, I feel that I have made great progress. I would like to ask Master Chang for guidance again when I have time!"

"I can see it, I can see it! The younger generation is truly formidable!" Old Chang nodded repeatedly, smiling kindly at Xiao Changche: "Thank you for the gift as well."

"They're just some ginseng and he shou wu, mere external possessions, not worth mentioning!" Xiao Changche said indifferently.

This Elder Chang, whose surname is Chang and given name is Jian, is a top retainer of the Marshal's Mansion. It is said that his cultivation level has reached the peak of Xuan Yuan, the ninth rank.

However, due to the innate barrier, he could never even get close to the threshold. As he aged, his physical functions began to decline, and he was even worried about falling into a lower realm. He usually relied on countless precious medicines to maintain his physical functions and keep them at the current level.

However, if one cannot cross the threshold of innate ability, even the best medicine will eventually lose its effectiveness.

Chang Jian sought refuge with Linghu Ye for two reasons. First, he was a talented individual from beyond the Great Wall with a large family behind him, and relying on Linghu Ye would ensure the family's prosperity. Second, as Linghu Ye's retainer, many precious medicines that even Chang Jian struggled to obtain would be easily acquired by Linghu Ye, thus killing two birds with one stone.

"What brings you here in such a hurry, Secretary?" After exchanging a few pleasantries with Chang Jian, Xiao Changche turned around, his smile vanishing as he asked with a cold expression.

"I heard that Scholar Zhang has arrived, and the Commander-in-Chief sent me to greet him. Scholar Zhang has some misunderstandings about our army outside the Great Wall, and the Commander-in-Chief wants to explain things to him personally. Scholar Zhang is a renowned scholar; if he can resolve his grievances with the soldiers outside the Great Wall, it will be a great benefit to our 100,000 soldiers, millions of civilians, and the overall situation of resisting the Yuan!" Linghu Zhishu said. "On the way, I heard that bandits were gathering along the way, and I was afraid something might have happened, so I had to ride here as fast as I could!"

Hearing this, Xiao Changche's face darkened as if it were about to drip water. He pointed his whip at the opposite side and said, "That Zhang fellow is right there. Go see him if you want!"

Having said that, he abandoned Linghu Zhishu and rode straight up to Li Dachui: "Li Dachui, I have something to say to you!"

(End of this chapter)