Chapter Thirty-One: Seizing the Bandit Chief by Force

The personal guards in Xue Ne's commandery were all seasoned soldiers who had followed him for years, thoroughly trained and disciplined. At his command, in the time it took to drink a cup of tea, more than two hundred guards assembled in neat formation.

General Du Binke, commander of the Left Gate, arrived shortly afterwards, clad in military attire and exuding authority. “The Grand Commander summoned me urgently—what orders do you have?”

Xue Ne spoke: “Go swiftly to organize the city patrols and seal off South Street. I have received reliable intelligence that Li Wuyi colluded with the Xi and Khitan tribes, leading to our crushing defeat at Lengxing. There are many roving warriors along South Street; treat them with care. If any resist and attempt to defy our authority, you are permitted to execute them on the spot.”

Du Binke was a distinguished general of Youzhou, renowned for both his intelligence and prowess. Previously, when Sun Quan campaigned against the Xi and Khitan, Du Binke had repeatedly advised caution but was dismissed, relegated to guarding Youzhou. When Xue Ne took charge of Youzhou, he recognized Du Binke’s talents and entrusted him with important duties, making him one of his most capable war generals. The cold defeat at Lengxing had claimed the lives of all Du Binke’s friends and kin in the army, and he held a deep hatred for the traitors who leaked military secrets. Upon receiving this order, his eyes burned with fury as he replied in a low voice, “I accept the command.”

Pei Min noticed that Xue Ne attributed the collusion to the Xi and Khitan, rather than the real culprit, Silla, which surprised him at first—but upon reflection, he understood. The Tang dynasty was no longer what it once was. With the passing of legendary generals like Su Dingfang, Xue Rengui, Liu Rengui, and Pei Xingjian, their successors—such as Cheng Wuting, Heichi Changzhi, and Wang Fangyi—had been purged or driven away by Empress Wu Zetian, leaving the empire bereft of competent commanders and suffering repeated defeats. Through the schemes of Zhang Jianzhong, Cui Xuanwei, Jing Hui, and others, the Li Tang dynasty had been restored, but the new emperor, Li Xian, was an oddity, dominated by his wife and daughter, leading to chaotic governance and rampant corruption.

Fortunately, Prince Li Longji of Linzi, third son of Prince Li Dan, was wise and decisive. He joined forces with his aunt, Princess Taiping, and allied with commanders of the imperial guards—Ge Fushun, Chen Xuanli, and others—to raise arms and eradicate Empress Wei and Princess Anle, sweeping away the remnants of the Wei and Wu factions.

Now, with Li Longji on the throne, the Tang dynasty was poised for renewal. Silla’s ambitions were real, yet they still maintained a posture of submission, sending tribute each year. There was no need to publicize the matter, lest it worsen the situation in the northeast.

Xue Ne, occupying a high position, was indeed farsighted.

Looking at Pei Min, Xue Ne asked, “Do you understand why I said this?”

“I do,” Pei Min nodded. “Tubo poses a far greater threat to our dynasty than Silla. With the new emperor’s accession, it’s unwise to provoke trouble in the northeast. Still, I feel some resentment…”

Xue Ne nodded approvingly, his strong hand patting Pei Min’s shoulder. “Resentment must be borne. If we act rashly now, it may bring us satisfaction, but it will only bring suffering to the people. Never forget this grudge—hold it deep in your heart. The deeper it’s remembered, the harsher the retribution will be. Come, let us subdue the chief culprit first. As for the true mastermind, their reckoning will come in due time.” With that, he invited Pei Min to accompany him.

Pei Min readily obeyed.

Xue Ne changed into his formal attire, appearing even more heroic, and said to his guards, “Bring me Green Scallion and Chestnut Scallion.” He turned to Pei Min and asked, “Do you know how to ride?”

Pei Min shook his head. “No, but I wish to learn.” In ancient times, not knowing how to ride was a painful disadvantage. His family was not wealthy, and horses were a luxury he could never afford, much less learn to ride.

Soon, the guards led over two fine steeds—one tall and greenish, the other shorter and chestnut. Both were sturdy and well-bred.

Taking the reins of the green horse, Xue Ne pointed to the chestnut one. “This horse should be yours—it’s only right to return it to you.”

Pei Min was unsure what Xue Ne meant. He glanced at Xue Ne’s grand horse, feeling somewhat dissatisfied with the smaller one offered to him.

Seeing this, Xue Ne laughed heartily. “You don’t like it? Shall we swap? Foolish boy, don’t fail to appreciate a blessing when it comes your way. My horse is among the finest Riverbend steeds—large, strong, bred for battle, with great explosive power. But your horse is the best among those seized from Huairou County; I believe it was the mount of the Xi prince whom you slew. It’s a Wuzhumuqin horse, the finest in the north, and of the highest grade. Though it’s not as tall, apart from slightly less explosive power than my Green Scallion, it surpasses mine in speed, endurance, courage, and hardiness. Especially endurance—among the world’s great steeds, only the northern horses can cover vast distances in harsh conditions. Do you know Emperor Taizong’s armored elite cavalry? They rode this very breed, the Wuzhumuqin horse. Though this is your rightful spoil, if I hadn’t owed you a great favor, I wouldn’t part with it. If you truly desire a tall horse, we can trade.”

Hearing this, Pei Min immediately thought of Mongolian horses—could the Wuzhumuqin be the same breed that carried Temujin across the world? He quickly snatched the chestnut’s reins, fearing Xue Ne would change his mind.

Examining the steed closely, Pei Min found that the Wuzhumuqin was not really short; it only appeared so beside the towering Riverbend horse. Its mane was long and glossy, its color beautiful, every muscle as solid as steel, its legs agile, shoulders broad, and chest deep—aside from height, there was nothing to criticize, and Pei Min was secretly delighted. He disagreed with Xue Ne’s naming style and renamed Chestnut Scallion to Little Chestnut, suiting his own taste.

Xue Ne explained the essentials of horsemanship. As the son of a military family, his riding skills were impeccable.

Pei Min listened carefully and, following his instructions, mounted using the stirrup. With a strong martial foundation and a steady stance, he quickly mastered balance and could proceed and halt with stability. As for galloping, that would require more practice.

Silently, they moved toward South Street.

It was the dead of night, and shadows flickered all around. Li Wuyi’s residence was surrounded, layer upon layer.

Xue Ne intended to create the impression of irrefutable evidence and ordered the doors broken down.

The gates of the Li residence stood no chance against the soldiers. With two resounding crashes, the doors were forced open.

Xue Ne strode into the manor, shouting, “Control everyone—if anyone resists, kill them where they stand!”

Over two hundred soldiers surged in. Most people were startled from sleep and immediately subdued. A few martial experts considered resisting, but seeing the well-equipped soldiers fierce as wolves, they abandoned the thought.

Li Wuyi stormed out of the hall, anger burning, intending to demand an explanation. Upon seeing Pei Min at Xue Ne’s side, his heart sank halfway; he shouted in fury, “Grand Commander, what is the meaning of this? Is there no justice anymore?”

Xue Ne stepped forward and declared sternly, “Li Wuyi, you colluded with the Xi and Khitan. The evidence is overwhelming. Because of you, a hundred thousand Tang soldiers lie buried in foreign lands. You dare speak of justice—you are not worthy! If you are wise, surrender immediately, lest you die where you stand!”

Li Wuyi’s intention was to seize the initiative, but Xue Ne, master of thousands and commander at the border, easily overwhelmed him with sheer presence.

Hesitating only for a moment, Li Wuyi drew his sword at his waist and lunged at Xue Ne.

Pei Min’s sword was already unsheathed!