Chapter 134: The Earth Dragon Turns Over (Part I)

Perilous and absolute is the northern Taihang range,
Juyong stands as the eighth mountain pass.
The Great Wall stretches horizontally, a streak of white,
While layered peaks press against the azure sky.

After seeing off Ayi, Sewu, and Jiezhilue, Yang Yaozong and Zhang Lie did not return to the city, but instead headed straight for the Juyong Pass military camp. On their way, they noticed snakes—which should have been largely inactive in the late autumn—frequently appearing on the main road. This sight made Zhang Lie believe Yang Yaozong’s earlier warnings implicitly. For Yang, however, it made his eyelids twitch uncontrollably. It was not the fear of an earthquake that troubled him, but rather his deep-seated phobia of snakes. Even from the safety of his saddle, his scalp tingled with dread at the sight of the lethargic serpents. Fortunately, they soon arrived at General Cui Jiye’s command tent. Zhang Lie’s brother, Zhang Qiang, was already there, his face glowing with unconcealed excitement as he greeted his sibling.

Yang Yaozong once again played the role of Zhang Lie’s attendant. Based on their deductions, Cui Jiye had not participated in the Prince of Qin’s rebellion; otherwise, the Prince would have already marched his forces south long ago. Yet, they were certain that Cui must have been aware of the plot. Yang was curious why the general had chosen to remain a detached spectator, and he wondered what role, if any, Cui intended to play—was he a mere supporting character, a passerby, or simply an audience member watching the tragedy unfold?

Yang Yaozong produced the letter written by the Virtuous Prince and presented it to Cui Jiye. "The Virtuous Prince and I are friends across generations. Knowing that I was accompanying Brother Zhang to the capital for scholarly pursuits, he specifically asked me to deliver this letter to you, General."

Cui Jiye studied Yang Yaozong with a meaningful gaze before taking the letter from the guard. He unfolded it and read. Once finished, he looked up and scrutinized Yang for a long moment, then turned to Zhang Qiang. "General Zuo, take your brother to your tent and speak at length. I have some matters to discuss with this young Master Yang in private."

Zhang Lie looked at Yang Yaozong, who offered a reassuring smile and a nod. Only then did Zhang Lie rise, bow to the General, and depart with his brother.

Once they and the guards had cleared the tent, Cui Jiye looked at Yang Yaozong and smiled. "Young Master Yang, how is the Virtuous Prince’s health?"

"He is well," Yang replied. "And he often speaks of you with concern, General."

Cui Jiye fell silent for a long while. He nodded, his eyes misting over slightly. "To have gained the favor of the Virtuous Prince and become his friend despite your age—you must possess remarkable qualities indeed."

"My friendship with him is a matter of serendipity and rare fortune," Yang said modestly.

"You are a man of striking appearance and extraordinary bearing," Cui continued. "To be so regarded by the Prince, you are surely more than a mere candidate for the imperial examinations. I will not pry, but I know you did not come here simply to deliver a letter. The Prince wrote that I should assist you if you had need of help. You are the first person he has ever entrusted to my care in such a manner."

Yang did not shy away from Cui’s probing gaze. "Then I shall be blunt, General. Please forgive my boldness."

"Speak freely," Cui replied.

"What is your opinion of the Prince of Qin?" Yang asked directly, knowing the General’s deep respect for the Virtuous Prince.

Cui Jiye peered deeply at Yang, picked up his teacup, and took a slow sip. "The scions of the dragon are not subjects for us to discuss lightly."

Yang nodded. He picked up an apple from a fruit platter and drew the dagger the Virtuous Prince had gifted him, preparing to peel the fruit. Upon seeing the blade, Cui Jiye’s brow furrowed, and he asked with a touch of tension, "Young Master, may I examine your dagger?"

Yang stood, holding the blade aloft with both hands, and presented it to the General. Cui stared at the weapon for a long time but did not reach for it. He looked up at Yang and asked, "This dagger?"

"A gift from the Virtuous Prince," Yang replied.

Cui stared at him, nodding slowly. He closed his eyes for a long moment in contemplation. When he opened them, seeing Yang still standing there, he gestured to the seat. "Please, sit."

Once Yang was seated, Cui spoke with gravity. "I know this dagger. The Prince treasures it as his own life; it never leaves his side. He once said that to see this dagger is to see him in person. Since he has given it to you, I understand his intent. Anything you wish to know, I will tell you without reservation. Anything you need me to do, provided it falls within my duty, I will give my all to accomplish."

Yang realized the depth of Cui’s loyalty and the symbolic weight of the dagger. To the General, his questions were now as if asked by the Prince himself. "General, are you aware that the Prince of Qin is recruiting soldiers in secret? He has already amassed over 150,000 troops in Tongzhou."

"I am aware," Cui admitted. "But as long as it does not involve the Virtuous Prince, I have no desire to meddle in such affairs. My duty is to guard Juyong Pass."

Yang sneered. "Duty? You are placed here because this is the most critical position in the Great Zhou. It shows the Emperor’s trust in you. You must realize that you are not guarding the gate for the Emperor alone! You are guarding it for the people of Great Zhou—for their peace and stability! If the Prince of Qin rebels and plunges the world into chaos, how can the people live in peace? What use is your defense of this gate then? I do not know what the Prince of Qin has promised you to make you watch him grow so powerful, or if you yourself have joined his rebellion."

Cui Jiye slammed his hand on the table, glaring in fury. "My conduct has always been upright! If I had accepted the Prince of Qin’s conditions, I would have already led my troops to the gates of the capital, rather than sitting here listening to the criticisms of a mere boy! I am angry, yes—but because I feel the injustice done to the Virtuous Prince! When he was young, he led us through the fires of war; we lived and died together. He was so dashing, so magnificent! But after returning to the capital? He became despondent and broken. Was that not because the Emperor feared his glory and used underhanded means against him? If the Virtuous Prince wanted the throne, I would rally to his side in an instant, despite my age! As for the Prince of Qin? Hmph! Why should I care about him? Let him fight his brother; what is that to me?"

Yang sighed. "Your loyalty to the Virtuous Prince is moving, and I am sure he would be comforted by it. But the misunderstanding between the Prince and the Emperor has long been resolved. The Prince is now assisting the Emperor and the Imperial Grandson in managing state affairs."

Cui’s eyes widened in shock. "Truly?"

Yang nodded solemnly. "The Virtuous Prince hopes that you will assist Master Zhang and me in stopping the Prince of Qin’s rebellion. You must have heard of his collusion with the Turks. From what I know, they have already reached an agreement. He plans to march south soon. When that happens, Great Zhou will be engulfed in flames. If the Turks break through the pass, General, I must ask: for whom are you holding Juyong Pass? Are you holding it for the Turks?"

Cui Jiye swayed, collapsing back into his chair. He seemed to age years in an instant, his eyes losing their luster.

Yang and Cui discussed the matter for a long time, later calling in Zhang Lie and Zhang Qiang to join the deliberations. They did not disperse until late into the night. Zhang Lie went to stay with his brother, while Yang Yaozong retreated to the tent prepared for him.

Lying on the cot, Yang felt a splitting headache—whether from excitement or tension, he could not tell. He tossed and turned until, frustrated, he sat up and began massaging his temples with his eyes closed.

Suddenly, cool fingertips touched his hands. He opened his eyes to see Yin Ruyun standing before him. He lowered his hands, and she began to massage his temples for him.

"The task you assigned me is complete," she said.

"Thank you for your hard work," Yang murmured.

"Are you nervous?" she asked.

Yang smiled bitterly. "A little."

"The Prince of Qin’s army is already in disarray because of the flyers you distributed," she said. "Even without General Cui’s 100,000 troops, even 50,000 would be enough to crush the rebel forces."

Yang sighed and looked up at her. "I simply do not wish to see countrymen slaughtering one another."

Yin Ruyun paused, her voice softening. "Get some rest."

Yang smiled at her. "Together?" Seeing her expression turn cold and her brows knit, he quickly added, "I mean only to rest. Nothing more. You have worked hard and need sleep."

Yin Ruyun pulled her hands away, her tone chilling. "I will rest sitting up." She sat on the floor beside the cot and closed her eyes.

"The floor is cold! You’ll fall ill!" Yang said in exasperation. He reached out, grabbed her, and pulled her onto the bed, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Don't move! Just sleep!"

Caught off guard, Yin Ruyun struggled briefly, but she quieted upon hearing his stern command. With her back to him, her face burned with heat, and a pang of emotion brought two lines of clear tears to her eyes. "You wretch," she whispered.