Chapter Forty-Six: Pleading for the Duke's Mercy

“Eunuch, a man as blessed as you will always have heaven's favor. How could those barbarians possibly harm you? This is not the place for conversation—please, follow me inside!” Niu Qing spared no effort in flattery, shuffling backwards as he gestured for Eunuch Guo to enter the command post.

But Eunuch Guo waved him off. “No need. I won’t waste words with you. The barbarians have taken Dushi Fort. If I’m not mistaken, their main force is already marching south to attack Ma Camp. Your Gentleman’s Fort is no longer safe—no telling when the enemy might come. I cannot tarry here. Have your men prepare food and water for my followers, and ready any usable horses in the fort. We’ll need them on the road. Once I have audience with His Majesty, I’ll be sure to speak a few words on your behalf.”

Hearing these instructions, Niu Qing nodded hurriedly. “Rest assured, Eunuch, I’ll see to it at once. However…” He hesitated, his face flushing red, the words stuck in his throat—there was something he could not easily bring himself to say.

“What is it?” Eunuch Guo’s eyes narrowed; he understood. Niu Qing clearly had a favor to ask but was too embarrassed to voice it. That didn’t bother Guo—anyone who needed something from him could be handled. He gestured amiably, “Niu Qing, speak freely—there’s no need for restraint.”

Yet Niu Qing remained silent, wrestling with himself. For three generations, the Niu family had served as commanders at Gentleman’s Fort; his grandfather and father had given their lives for the Empire. Now, blessed by the court, he too held the post. Three generations of commanders was a profound honor, repaying the emperor’s favor.

But in his heart, Niu Qing longed for more. As the saying goes, water flows downward but men seek higher ground. Gentleman’s Fort was a wretched, impoverished place. If he had a chance to serve elsewhere, it would be a dream come true. Until now, there had never been an opportunity; years had worn away his ambition. Yet today, unexpectedly, a powerful figure had arrived, promising great rewards to his battered followers. His heart stirred—if only Eunuch Guo might recommend him to the imperial guards, even as a mere banner officer, it would be far better than wasting his life in this forsaken place.

Still, it was a shameless request, and since Eunuch Guo refused to enter the command post to talk, Niu Qing couldn’t quite bring himself to speak in front of everyone.

Eunuch Guo, growing impatient at his silence, called out, “Niu Qing?”

“Yes, Eunuch!” Niu Qing snapped to attention. Seeing Guo’s impatience, he steeled himself. His own father, Niu Yuan, had once dreamed of leaving Gentleman’s Fort, but lacking connections and funds, he endured until he fell in battle. Now, if Niu Qing could secure a post in the imperial guards through Eunuch Guo’s influence, it might not bring glory and wealth, but it would fulfill his father’s old wish. Surely the old man, in the afterlife, would be pleased.

With that resolve, he bowed and said, “I heard, Eunuch, that when you reach the capital, you might petition His Majesty for certain rewards…”

Guo interrupted with a knowing look. “I understand your intentions, Niu Qing. But these men risked their lives to escort me out. Without them, my old bones would be scattered at Dushi Fort. If I ask the emperor to reward them, no one will take offense. But you…”

Hearing this, Niu Qing grew anxious. “If you’ll grant me this favor, I’ll repay your kindness with a lifetime of loyalty!” With that, he dropped to his knees and knocked his head hard against the floor.

Wang Dade, seeing this, knelt as well. Li Wenhe, the scribe, was a scholar and too proud to kneel before a eunuch, but he lowered his head and stood in silence.

The soldiers from Gentleman’s Fort had no idea what was happening. They watched, bewildered, not understanding why their commander was groveling or what favor he sought.

…

A sudden rival has appeared!

When Niu Qing knelt, Song Bangde sensed trouble. Up until now, he, as the banner officer, was the highest-ranking among them. If he could escort Eunuch Guo safely south and present him at court, he would surely claim the greatest merit. But who could have guessed that the young man beside Guo was actually with the Embroidered Guards, and Guo favored him, promising him a command and pushing Song down the hierarchy.

Still, he didn’t mind too much. The post promised was in the imperial guards—far superior to the border troops. An imperial banner officer outranked even a frontier commander; the pay was generous, and the opportunities for profit much greater. Besides, he had nowhere else to go. As Eunuch Guo said, not following him meant certain death.

With that thought, his resentment at being outranked by Lu Qing faded. After all, Lu Qing had carried Eunuch Guo on his back through death and fire—no wonder he enjoyed such favor. And he was Embroidered Guard, said to have escorted Guo all the way from Datong. Whether by merit or personal ties, Song couldn’t compare.

But to be bested by Niu Qing as well? That was too much. Niu was a commander and this was his territory—if Eunuch Guo granted his request, who knew what rank he’d receive? Was Niu to outrank him in the imperial guards too?

Positions in the imperial guards were rare, and officer posts even more precious. It was bad enough to be surpassed by Lu Qing; now Niu Qing was trying to leap ahead as well. There had to be some sense of order—Niu shouldn’t shamelessly snatch at every advantage.

Damn it, if he’d known, he’d never have urged Guo to stop at Gentleman’s Fort. Niu Qing was truly disgraceful, bringing shame to his family!

Still, Song Bangde dared not protest, for Niu’s motives were the same as his own. There was no ground for rebuke. He could only watch in silence, unable to say a word.

Lin and Ji, the two junior officers, shared Song’s indignation. Their faces darkened as they exchanged glances, muttering curses under their breath.