Chapter 19: decree

Victory, a resounding victory!

Tens of thousands of Hu soldiers marched southward, only to find their path blocked by the resolute border general Yan Changkong stationed at the Xiaoqing River. In the ensuing clash, nearly 20,000 enemy soldiers met their end, around 10,000 were captured, and a multitude of war horses were seized. This triumph was a rare beacon of success in the past decade. Among the heroes of this battle, two figures shone most brilliantly: Yan Changkong and a once-unassuming leader named Lu Bu.

Lu Bu, a figure of inconspicuous background, emerged as a pivotal force during the tragic fray. As the battle raged on, his battalion was nearly wiped out, with only six soldiers surviving. Yet, these valiant survivors managed to repel the Hu vanguard, leading the enemy forces into an ambush set by Yan Changkong. This strategic maneuver proved to be a defining factor in the victory.

Post-battle, while Yan Changkong received due recognition from the imperial court, it was Lu Bu, the linchpin of triumph, who was promoted by three ranks due to his remarkable contributions. Yan Changkong's esteem for Lu Bu soared even higher, leading to the latter's transfer to Yan Changkong's side.

At this juncture, Lu Bu had undergone a profound transformation. Although he could readily exit the northern pass and return to his home prefecture, where he could serve as a general overseeing tasks like patrolling the capital, Lu Bu's ambition knew no bounds. Armed with battlefield prowess, he understood that the field of combat was where he could hone his skills and garner political influence.

Over the following two years, regardless of the season, Lu Bu frequently led his troops beyond the confines of the northern pass. They conducted raids, seizing cattle and sheep, compelling the Hu population within nearly three hundred miles of Beiguan to flee north of the Great Wall.

"Feng Xian, are you married?" Yan Changkong inquired, stroking his beard, his admiration for Lu Bu growing. Despite Lu Bu's modest martial aptitude, his exceptional insight and tactical acumen were undeniable. In just two years, his prestige beyond the Great Wall threatened to eclipse Yan Changkong's own. The notion of recruiting Lu Bu as a potential son-in-law began to take shape in Yan Changkong's mind.

"I am already wed, with a wife and a son to care for, as well as elderly parents at home," Lu Bu replied.

"A pity indeed. You are about the same age as my son, and your talents are impressive. If you were unattached, you would have been an ideal match for my daughter," Yan Changkong commented with a smile.

Lu Bu nodded regretfully, though remained silent. Yan Changkong continued, "How many years have you served at Beiguan?"

"I have served for seven years," Lu Bu recalled his five years within the military camp. Two years ago, he emerged as a prominent figure and was granted the rank of a general. Over the subsequent period, he accrued numerous merits, earning promotions under Yan Changkong's guidance. Recently, he had ascended to the position of a partial general, a prestigious status shared by only six individuals within Beiguan. Among them, he held the highest rank.

"I have been absent for seven years. While my loyalty remains steadfast, my filial piety has certainly waned. Those Hu people in Saibei, forced northward by your actions, now dare not venture south for grazing. It is unlikely that anyone would dare to invade Beiguan this year. I hereby grant you permission to return home, reunite with your family, and bring back your earnings and wages from the past two years. You may also consider acquiring some family property to secure your future," Yan Changkong said solemnly.

"Thank you, General!" Lu Bu's elation was evident as he expressed his gratitude. After saluting, he departed alongside his lieutenant. His immediate plan was to pack his belongings and journey back to his hometown to visit his long-separated kin. The seven-year separation had kindled a deep yearning for his family.

"The General is perplexed!" Upon leaving Chang Yan's air force battalion, the lieutenant grabbed Lu Bu and spoke in a hushed tone.

"What do you mean?" Lu Bu asked, perplexed.

"The general, do you not see that General Yan is suggesting a potential marriage proposal? Why did you respond so candidly?" the lieutenant inquired.

"Why not?" Lu Bu's brow furrowed.

The lieutenant sighed and shook his head. "The general is a fearless warrior on the battlefield, yet appears hesitant in matters of the heart. Is it not possible that General Yan knows of your marital status? But times have changed, and the general is no longer the same person. Consider this: upon your return, dissolve your marriage with the peasant girl and, when the time comes, marry General Yan's daughter. Should you find the prospect discomfiting, you can later take the peasant girl as a concubine. This is an opportunity for advancement. If seized, it could lead you to remarkable heights. In the future, when General Yan retires, you might assume his mantle."

Throughout his journey home, Lu Bu's thoughts were consumed by these words.

Promotions within Dagan's military hierarchy involved thorough scrutiny, particularly for someone of Lu Bu's status as a pivotal frontier general. His family background was bound to be investigated. Despite Yan Changkong's knowledge of Lu Bu's marital status, he had still posed the marriage question. Could it be, as the lieutenant suggested, that he intended for Lu Bu to divorce his current wife and then marry his daughter?

These thoughts weighed heavily on Lu Bu's mind as he traversed the path homeward.

Upon returning to his home in Luzhuang, Lu Bu was warmly greeted by Lu Hong, the first person he encountered. Lu Bu was taken aback by Lu Hong's newfound kindness, and he also noticed his father at his side. It appeared that their relationship had transformed into one of genuine fraternity. Situated in a frontier fortress, Lu Zhuang had become aware of Lu Bu's rising prominence over the past two years. Lu Bu was now the pride of Lu Zhuang, being the most prominent figure to emerge from their community in a century.

Previously, Lu Bu had faced exclusion and disdain from those who had belittled his family. Now, however, they greeted him with smiles, as if this had always been the case. Although his father appeared to be basking in the glow of the moment, his smile betrayed a touch of reluctance.

Dismounting his horse, Lu Bu paid his respects to his father before acknowledging everyone around him. Each individual returned his greeting with equal enthusiasm.

Lu Bu was able to experience the feeling of returning home in glory. The house was adorned with gifts from neighbors, and visitors arrived regularly. Most of these faces were unfamiliar to Lu Bu, a testament to his absence.

His seven-year-old son exhibited a mixture of curiosity and timidity upon encountering his father. The child shyly stood beside his mother, glancing at Lu Bu with a mix of awe and apprehension.

Lu Bu's gaze then shifted to his wife, a woman who had not been particularly expressive in their relationship. At this moment, her eyes conveyed a joy that couldn't be hidden.

Lu Bu's thoughts were tangled as he regarded his wife. The lieutenant general's counsel reverberated in his mind, juxtaposed against the image of Yan Changkong's daughter. Yet, in that moment, a smile broke across Lu Bu's face, and he reached out to embrace his wife. A sense of contentment washed over him, knowing that she had stood by his side, supporting her parents, caring for their children, and leading a life of selflessness. It was a testament to her character, and Lu Bu found himself deeply moved. A true man, he realized, could rise to greatness, but to forsake such a partner on a day of triumph would mar his honor and self-respect.

As the lieutenant's words faded into the background, Lu Bu's focus shifted. In the days that followed, he dedicated himself to his family. He spent quality time with his wife and children, and they acquired a house in the county town, where they planned to relocate. Their future held the promise of urban living. However, his departure for Beiguan, now in the midst of recruitment, loomed on the horizon. Despite his wife's pregnancy, she remained steadfast in urging Lu Bu not to become preoccupied with thoughts of home.

Ultimately, the time came for Lu Bu to set out once again, but a lingering reluctance filled his heart. With a heavy heart, he embarked on his journey back to Beiguan.