Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 131 Treating the Talented with Respect

The net cast out quickly yielded results. Xinghuo Fortress's spies in the hilly area upstream of the Luo River discovered traces of a suspected caravan in a remote mountain valley called "Guyun Ridge." They had rented the only abandoned hunter's courtyard in the valley, living a secluded life. Only two men dressed as "guards" would take turns going out each day to fetch water from a stream several miles away, occasionally bringing back some wild fruits and vegetables. They acted with extreme discretion and caution. The undercover agents observed from a distance, unable to get close enough to confirm if "Manager Jia" was inside, but based on the occasional clear cough emanating from the courtyard—distinct from that of mountain hunters—and the presence of wide-sleeved robes clearly belonging to scholars among the clothes drying in the sun, they deduced that the target was likely among them.

Meanwhile, the elite scout team of fifty men, personally selected and led by Chen Wei, had quietly arrived at the outskirts of Guyun Ridge, hidden in the mountains and forests, closely monitoring every move of the courtyard, and constantly transmitting the latest situation back through trained hawks.

Upon receiving this near-real-time intelligence, Chen Xing pondered for a long time. Jia Wen's choice to temporarily reside in a remote place like Guyun Ridge was clearly an attempt to observe and rest, perhaps also assessing the dangers ahead and his future direction. Sending someone to directly recruit him at this moment, given Jia Wen's suspicious and arrogant nature, would likely backfire, making him feel coerced or monitored, which might incite rebellion or hasten his escape.

"Since he stopped, he must be weighing his options," Chen Xing said to Chen Wei and Li Shu, who were standing by. "Forcing him to 'invite' me will not only fail to show my sincerity but will also make me appear anxious, which would be a bad move. We need a more natural and respectful opportunity that he cannot avoid."

He had already made up his mind. According to reports, the people in that courtyard needed to fetch water from the stream every two or three days. The stream was located in a relatively open valley, connected by only a few paths. If they wanted to "meet by chance," that would be the most suitable place.

"Tomorrow, I will personally go to Lonely Cloud Ridge," Chen Xing decided. "No need to bring a large force, just four personal guards, disguised as scholars visiting the secluded mountains. Chen Wei, your men will keep watch on the perimeter, but they must not be exposed. Li Shu, make sure that the time we arrive at the stream roughly coincides with the time when the other side arrives to fetch water."

Chen Wei looked worried: "My lord, isn't it too risky to take only four men? Although Jia Wen doesn't have many guards, they are likely all fierce soldiers from the Xiliang army. What if..."

"Don't worry." Chen Xing waved his hand. "I will go with courtesy. Even if they have doubts, they won't suddenly launch an attack. Besides, if I can't even intimidate these few people, how can I win over someone like Jia Wen? This trip is not to show off my bravery, but to demonstrate my sincerity."

The next morning, Chen Xing changed into a plain scholar's robe, a square scarf on his head, and a long sword at his waist, dressing himself up as a scholar going out for a spring outing. Four guards, who had also changed into casual clothes but had sharp eyes and capable manners, followed closely behind. Their horses were also changed to inconspicuous dwarf horses. The group left Xinghuo Fortress and headed slowly towards Guyun Ridge in the southwest.

They traveled in silence. Upon reaching the outskirts of Lonely Cloud Ridge, Chen Wei led his scouts into hiding, while Chen Xing, accompanied by four personal guards, strolled along a woodcutter's path towards the stream mentioned in the intelligence report. It was mid-spring, and the mountains were lush with vegetation, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, truly embodying the atmosphere of seeking out hidden gems.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the stream, they indeed heard the gurgling sound of water. Chen Xing gestured for his guards to wait a short distance away, while he strolled to a flat blue stone by the stream, stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly admiring the scenery. However, his gaze subtly swept across the upstream and downstream sections of the stream.

After about half an incense stick's time, light footsteps came from the path downstream. Two men dressed as woodcutters, but with steady steps and alert eyes, each carrying a pair of wooden buckets, walked along the stream. When they saw someone by the stream in the distance, they paused slightly, exchanged a glance, and then continued on as if nothing had happened, but their gaze lingered for a moment longer on Chen Xing and the four guards behind him in the distance.

Chen Xing seemed oblivious, reciting to himself, "The mountain scenery pleases the birds, the pool's reflection empties the heart. This tranquil place truly washes away worldly worries."

The two "woodcutters" walked to the stream and began to draw water silently and nimbly, but they remained clearly wary of Chen Xing's group.

When their water was almost full, Chen Xing suddenly turned around, faced them, cupped his hands in greeting, and said in a gentle tone, "Greetings, gentlemen. I am quite thirsty after hiking down the mountain. Would you mind having a bowl of water to quench my thirst?"

The two men were taken aback again. One of them said in a gruff voice, "Mountain stream water, if you don't mind the dirt, just take it yourself." His tone was harsh, carrying a sense of keeping them at arm's length.

Chen Xing smiled slightly, not minding at all. He walked to the stream, scooped up a handful of water, drank it, and praised, "Clear and sweet, far superior to the well water in the city." He straightened up and asked casually, "Judging from your bearing, you two gentlemen don't seem like ordinary woodcutters, but rather like soldiers. May I ask what brings you here in these deep mountains?"

Upon hearing this, the two men's expressions changed slightly, and their hands instinctively reached for their waists. The man who had spoken earlier said coldly, "We are merely hunters from the mountains, occasionally chopping firewood to exchange for salt and rice. Your eyesight is rather poor. We've finished fetching the water; farewell." With that, he picked up the buckets and prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment." Chen Xing's voice remained calm, yet carried an undeniable air of composure. "If I'm not mistaken, you two are not hunters, but guards. Your guards should be in the mountain valley of Lonely Cloud Ridge right now. And the gentleman you're guarding, is his surname Jia, a native of Guzang in Liangzhou, and whose given name is 'Wen'?"

"Clang!" The two men could no longer maintain their composure. They dropped the buckets, instantly drawing concealed short blades from the bundles of firewood. Holding them horizontally in front of them, their eyes sharp as knives, they stared intently at Chen Xing. "Who exactly are you?!"

Upon seeing this, four guards in the distance immediately placed their hands on the hilts of their swords and quickly stepped forward to protect Chen Xing on his flanks.

Chen Xing waved his hand, signaling his guards not to be nervous, and looked calmly at the two guards who were on high alert: "My surname is Chen, and my given name is Xing. Xinghuo Fortress is my home. I have come today not for war, but to pay my respects to Mr. Jia Wenhe. Please inform him that Chen Xing from the North has come to seek your guidance, having admired your reputation. If you are willing to see me, I will wait here; if not, I will not force you and will leave immediately without any further entanglement."

"Chen Xing? Lord of Starfire Fortress?" The two guards had clearly heard of the name, their faces showing surprise and uncertainty. They exchanged a look of utter shock and disbelief. Lord of Starfire Fortress, currently the most prominent figure in the North, had actually appeared alone in this desolate wilderness, just to see their master?

One of them whispered, "You watch them, I'll go report!" With that, he turned and ran towards the ravine, not even bothering with the bucket.

The guard remained, still gripping his short blade, positioned between Chen Xing and the ravine, his eyes filled with wariness and tension.

Chen Xing did not urge him, but returned to sit down by the bluestone, closed his eyes to rest, as if he were really just a leisurely scholar who came here to enjoy the scenery.

About half an hour later, footsteps echoed again on the mountain path. This time, besides the guard who had brought the message, three others arrived. The leader, a man in his forties, had a lean face, fair skin, and a thin beard. His narrow eyes revealed a wisdom befitting his scholarly attire, along with a hidden aloofness and scrutiny. He wore a slightly worn blue scholar's robe, over which he wore a brown cloak to protect him from the mountain winds. His steps were unhurried, exactly as described in the intelligence report regarding Jia Wen. Behind him followed two guards with even more composed auras and hawk-like eyes.

Jia Wen walked to the stream, his gaze passing over the guards with swords drawn and landing on Chen Xing, who sat upright on a blue stone. He carefully examined this young, rising hero of the north, seemingly trying to discern his true intentions and depths beneath his calm exterior.

Chen Xing opened his eyes, stood up, and cupped his hands again, this time with an even lower posture: "Mr. Jia Wen of Liangzhou? Chen Xing of the North has long admired your esteemed name. How fortunate I am to meet you today."

Jia Wen did not immediately return the greeting. Instead, he spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse but each word clear: "Lord of Xinghuo Fortress, General Chen. Your name has been resounding in my ears lately. But I wonder why you, instead of strategizing and stabilizing the new land within the fortress, have the leisure to venture into this dangerous place and 'accidentally' encounter a down-on-his-luck scholar like myself in this desolate wilderness?"

His words were plain, yet they contained a sharp edge, revealing that Chen Xing had deliberately sought him out and was fully aware of his situation.

Chen Xing frankly said, "Sir, your talent is like an awl in a bag; its tip will soon be revealed. Though you may be temporarily trapped in shallow waters, how can that last long? I, Chen Xing, am not talented, but I wish to emulate the ancient story of 'Duke Zhou spitting out his food to welcome guests, and the world turned to him.' Hearing that you are here, I did not shy away from the rugged mountain road and came to invite you in person. I wish to treat you as a teacher and friend, to discuss important matters together, to help the northern lands, and to bring peace to the people."

His words were sincere and his attitude extremely humble, directly expressing his intention to recruit him while giving him ample face.

However, Jia Wen's face showed little emotion after hearing this. Instead, he sighed softly and shook his head: "General Chen's kindness is appreciated. However, I am a criminal and a fugitive. How could I dare to get involved in military and political affairs again and burden the general? Moreover, I am lazy and not good at dealing with people. Back in Xiliang, I was punished for my words and almost lost my life. Now I only seek a quiet place to live out my remaining days and dare not have any improper thoughts. The general is a man of great talent and strategy, with many fierce generals and strategists under his command. Why should a useless person like me be attached to you? General, please go back."

He politely declined, citing reasons such as being "a criminal," "lazy by nature," and "wanting to live out his remaining years." Although his tone was gentle, his refusal was very firm.

The guards behind Chen Xing's bodyguards changed their expressions slightly, and Chen Wei, who was lying in ambush on the perimeter, also felt a chill in his heart upon hearing this.

Chen Xing remained unmoved, as if he had expected this. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Sir, are you worried that I lack magnanimity and cannot tolerate others? Or do you suspect that the laws of Starfire Fortress are unclear and that rewards and punishments are unfair?"

Jia Wen's narrow eyes narrowed slightly, a strange glint flashing across them, before he regained his composure: "General, you flatter me. The Starfire Fortress's 'Star Laws' proclaim that the imperial examinations are open to recruit officials, a fact known throughout the North. It is not due to your magnanimity or lack of understanding of the laws, General, but rather because I, Jia, am disheartened and have no interest in pursuing fame or fortune."

"Disheartened..." Chen Xing pondered the word, then nodded. "Since that's the case, Chen Xing dares not force you. Since you intend to retire, there is a Qingyan Temple a hundred miles to the southeast. The abbot is an old acquaintance of mine, and it is quite tranquil. If you don't mind, you can take my letter and stay there temporarily. All your needs in the temple will be provided by my Xinghuo Fortress, and there will be no disturbance. You can decide on your destination later."

As he spoke, he took out a pre-prepared letter sealed with sealing wax from his pocket and handed it over with both hands.

This response greatly surprised Jia Wen and his guards. Far from being angered by the rejection, they thoughtfully arranged a way out, even promising to provide for them, demonstrating full respect and freedom of choice.

Jia Wen looked at the letter, then looked up and gave Chen Xing a deep look, his scrutiny intensifying as if he wanted to find a trace of pretense or scheming in the other's eyes, but all he saw was a frank and sincere expression.

He ultimately did not accept the letter, but instead bowed again, his tone slightly softer yet still firm: "General, your kindness is too much for me to bear. I am but a humble man from the mountains, I can find shelter anywhere, and I dare not trouble you any further. The road ahead is long, General... please take care. Farewell."

After saying this, he said no more, gestured to the guards, turned around and walked back towards the mountain valley, his back view resolute.

The two guards, armed with short blades, retreated cautiously until they entered a shaded area, then quickly turned around and followed.

Chen Xing stood there, watching their figures disappear around the bend in the mountain path, slowly putting the letter in his sleeve. His face showed no disappointment or annoyance, but rather a thoughtful expression.

"My lord, Jia Wen is so ungrateful!" a guard couldn't help but whisper.

Chen Xing waved his hand, gazing in the direction Jia Wen had left, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips: "No rush. I've done my duty. Since he still wants to see, then... I'll let him see as much as he wants."

The first attempt to recruit him was rejected. But this was just the beginning. For a "ruthless strategist" like Jia Wen, a capture and release demonstrates skill; a three-times-capture and-release reveals true character.