Hot flashes

Xiao Jue put down the paper, his gaze falling on the slightly unconvinced look on his face, and suddenly asked, "Do you know why I used your strategy?"

Zhou Heng was taken aback: "Because...it's feasible?"

"Because it's pragmatic," Xiao Jue said calmly. "Severe punishments are necessary in chaotic times. But after severe punishments, there needs to be appeasement. Unconditional harshness can easily lead to isolation."

Your plan, seemingly a compromise, actually balances destruction and construction, making it more suitable for the current situation in Yingyang.

He paused, looked at Zhou Heng, and said, "Those who govern must know when to wield the knife and when to mend the wound."

Your compassion allows you to see the "human" aspect, not just the "guilt," which is a strength. However, you must also remember that the thread that sewn the knot must be in your own hands; you must not lose your balance.

Zhou Heng was somewhat stunned. He had never imagined that Xiao Jue would say these things to him. In his mind, Xiao Jue was more of a decisive and unfathomable figure.

"I...I didn't think that much about it," Zhou Heng said honestly. "I just felt that the most important thing was to get things done well and keep people calm."

A faint flicker of emotion seemed to pass through Xiao Jue's eyes. "Hmm," he responded, saying nothing more.

In the afternoon, Zhou Heng was summoned by Mr. Du to work together to finalize the details. Mr. Du was quite amiable towards him and even asked for his opinions on some specific clauses.

Zhou Heng was flattered and tried his best to offer some detailed suggestions based on modern management thinking, such as "the content of the announcement should be easy to understand" and "the appointment of grassroots positions should have a probationary period and assessment standards." Mr. Du listened and, although he found some of the words and phrases novel, after careful consideration, he found them to be reasonable and adopted them accordingly.

Zhou Heng was busy until the sun was setting when he finally rubbed his sore eyes and returned to the vicinity of the main tent. Before he even went inside, he could hear faint voices talking inside; it was Xiao Jue and Zhao Canjiang.

"...It has been discovered that in Black Wind Valley, sixty miles to the northwest, there are indeed signs of remnants of the Qiang and Hu tribes colluding with local bandits, numbering about three hundred, who are holding a strategic position." This was the voice of Lieutenant General Zhao.

"Three hundred men, a rabble," Xiao Jue said calmly. "But Black Wind Valley has complex terrain, making a direct assault difficult. Your guerrilla unit is newly formed and needs real combat experience. I'm entrusting this task to you. Can you wipe out the bandits within five days?"

"This humble general obeys! I will certainly not fail in my mission!" Zhao, the adjutant, replied in a resounding voice.

"Hmm. Make sure to investigate thoroughly; see if there are other forces behind the bandits. Go."

"yes!"

General Zhao strode out and bumped into Zhou Heng. He nodded in greeting, the scar on his face seemingly carrying a murderous aura of eager anticipation.

Zhou Heng entered the tent, where Xiao Jue was standing in front of the sand table, gazing at a certain section of the terrain. The candlelight cast his tall figure long on the tent wall.

"Is war about to break out?" Zhou Heng asked.

"Just suppressing bandits." Xiao Jue said without turning his head, "It's a minor ailment."

Zhou Heng looked at the rugged model of Black Wind Valley on the sand table, recalling General Zhao's earlier words. "The patrol team? Can they... handle it?"

He remembered that the guerrilla team was formed based on the "Mandarin Duck Formation" concept he vaguely proposed, focusing on small team cooperation and combat in complex terrain, but it was only recently formed.

Xiao Jue turned around and glanced at him: "A fledgling eagle must always try to fly. The art of battle formations can never be truly mastered from books."

He walked to the desk, picked up a document, and said, "I have read the details that you and Mr. Du drafted today. There are a few points that can be reconsidered."

When the topic turned back to politics, Zhou Heng was immediately drawn to it and leaned over to look at what Xiao Jue had pointed out.

The two began to discuss in hushed tones by candlelight.

Xiao Jue's words were sharp and often hit the nail on the head. Zhou Heng was initially unable to keep up, but gradually he was able to follow his train of thought and even offer some rebuttals or additions.

As night deepened outside the tent, the rhythmic footsteps of the changing of the guard echoed. Inside, the candlelight crackled, and two figures stood close together, their hushed conversation blending together in a strange harmony.

It wasn't until Zhou Heng's stomach rumbled that he realized how late it was.

Xiao stopped speaking, glanced at him, and then ordered, "Serve the meal."

The meal was served quickly. The two sat facing each other and ate in silence.

However, when Zhou Heng finished eating, put down his chopsticks, and subconsciously rubbed his still somewhat sore lower back, Xiao Jue's gaze turned towards him again.

"Is there any medicine left?"

"……have."

"Hmm." Xiao Jue didn't say anything more, but Zhou Heng felt that the gaze lingered on his waist for a moment.

After the meal, Xiao Jue continued processing military reports. Zhou Heng silently went behind his desk, picked up an unproofread list of provisions, and began to read it by the lamplight.

The tent fell silent again, with only the sound of pages turning and pens scratching.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhou Heng felt a weight on his shoulder. A dark robe, still warm from body heat, was draped over him. He looked up and saw that Xiao Jue had appeared behind him at some point.

"It's late, we'll do it tomorrow." Xiao Jue's voice came from above, and he patted his shoulder. "Go and rest."

The tone wasn't a command, but it carried an air of absolute authority.

Zhou Heng looked at the list, which was still a little over half full, then at Xiao Jue's deep eyes, and finally put down his pen. "...Oh."

As he stood up, the soreness in his lower back made his movements slightly hesitant. Xiao Jue's hand naturally supported him, then slid down to his lower back, massaging it gently. "Does it still hurt?"

"...It's alright." Zhou Heng's ears were burning, and he wanted to dodge, but the massage was so comfortable that he froze on the spot.

Xiao Jue didn't speak again, but his movements became even gentler and more patient. The candlelight cast their close shadows onto the tent wall, swaying slightly.