Chapter 79
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: Departure
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A week flew by like an arrow.
I'd barely bought myself that week from Mai Lieje by handing over command of Changli's administration and using family matters as an excuse.
Mai Lieje nodded reluctantly after seeing Lingqi, who was still just a newborn.
In the meantime, I'd left Changli's internal affairs to Jeon Pung and Ga Hu, and handed military command to Go Sun, with Cheng Lian and Wei Yue under him.
I assigned Ma Teng the task of placating the foreign tribes in my absence, and decided to bring Zhang Liao and Wei Sok on this diplomatic mission to the Western Regions.
Zhang Liao could guard my side, and while Wei Sok was pathetic in some ways, the soldiers followed him surprisingly well—for which he'd be useful in keeping discontent in check on this long journey.
Beyond that, I moved quickly to handle business as a trading caravan on this mission.
I poured all the funds secured from trade with the Mi family into loading the wagons to the brim with silk from Shu.
I'd originally planned to prepare Yang Province specialties, but the experienced merchants sent by the Mi family stressed that silk was the item Westerners craved most, advising me to load up on it.
With preparations complete for administration, military, and trade—strangely, my eyes kept drooping shut.
"Damn it..."
The exhaustion was all Qianya's fault.
While I was frantically busy after securing that week from Mai Lieje, Qianya had barged in out of nowhere.
"...You're leaving with the diplomatic mission to the Western Regions?"
"Yeah. It'll take at least a year."
"Then... what about me? When the hell are you going to get me pregnant?"
She'd always chased me out of her chambers at every opportunity before, dodging me even at night. But seeing Lingqi born must have changed her mind completely.
That night—we finally consummated.
Qianya was nothing like Lady Cai. At first, she hurt a lot, clawing deep gashes into my back.
"Ha... Can't even endure this—"
"...Sh-shut up! ...Your thing's too big... Ah!"
Her eyes had trembled adorably at the sight of it at first... but she grew accustomed as we went on, eventually clamping her legs around my waist and refusing to let go.
"...In the end, she was the one shaking her hips more... Ha..."
Night after night, keeping her company until dawn had left even my overflowing stamina feeling like lead weights dragging me down.
"My lord, all preparations are complete. Please conduct the final inspection."
"...Got it."
Zhang Liao's voice snapped me from my reverie.
I rubbed my stiff back and began the final check of the procession. While pointing out shortcomings for a good while, I noticed Mai Lieje inspecting the central army guarding him.
Ignoring him, I continued the inspection, but I could feel Mai Lieje staring.
His gaze passed over me to fix on the Changli caravan procession I led. Finally, with a stern expression, he strode toward us.
"Deputy Envoy Ye. What are all these rabble? This diplomatic mission carries out His Majesty's decree to reforge ties with the Western Regions! Dragging carts like street peddlers—do you mean to diminish His Majesty's dignity? Disband that rabble at once!"
My ears rang from Mai Lieje's bellow, thanks to Qianya wearing me out.
"Elder, this procession may take a year or more. Has the court provided the massive funds for that?"
"...Th-the imperial coffers aren't overflowing—"
Mai Lieje's voice faltered slightly. The coffers weren't overflowing? More like the Emperor was stingy with spending.
"Without funds, procuring locally is the natural way. This silk will serve as tribute to uphold His Majesty's dignity and the only means to cover the mission's expenses. Without it, how could we fulfill His Majesty's command?"
Mai Lieje seemed lost for words at my valid rebuttal, but he soon cleared his throat and changed tack.
"Ahem, your complexion looks dreadful. I'm gravely concerned for your fitness on this vital mission. Have you been handling duties these past week?"
Duties? Well, I'd handled something else all night long.
"...Just many matters to settle before departure. No issue carrying out His Majesty's command—worry not."
"Hm, very well. But ensure your caravan doesn't lower the mission's stature or delay the schedule! Fulfilling His Majesty's will comes first!"
"Understood, Elder."
As Mai Lieje turned away with a dissatisfied look, Wei Sok approached.
"Hahaha. Brother! That old man's face is priceless."
"Shut it and get to your post. Cause any trouble on this trip, and I'll ship you back to Bing Province."
"Got it! Got it. Geez... Can't say a word..."
Wei Sok grumbled back to his place, and Lady Cai approached with Lingqi in her arms, Qianya beside her.
"Merchant Lord. Please return safely."
I poked Lingqi's tiny cheek with my finger where Lady Cai held her.
—Kyaa kyaa!
"With you and Lingqi waiting, I'll surely return safe."
It was then.
Qianya puffed her cheeks and whispered hotly in my ear.
"...Put in more effort. Lady Cai said you went at it all day?"
"Cough!"
Her sudden words caught in my throat.
"Wh-what nonsense..."
"Don't dodge. I heard it all from her."
Flustered, I glanced at Lady Cai.
She pretended not to notice, staring off into the distance.
Qianya sighed softly, stroking her lower belly.
"...Sigh, but with that much, maybe it'll take."
A chuckle escaped me at the sight.
"If not... I'll give you enough when I return that you'll beg me to stop."
Qianya's eyes sparkled.
"Promise?"
"Yeah, yeah."
I gave Lingqi's head a final gentle pat and turned to Red Hare.
Zhang Liao and Wei Sok were aligning the troops, with key subordinates like Jeon Pung, Ga Hu, Ma Teng, Cheng Lian, and Wei Yue all assembled.
But one who should be there was missing.
"Ma Teng."
"Yes, my lord!"
"Where's your son? I don't see Ma Chao."
Cold sweat beaded on Ma Teng's face.
"...H-he... Lord Administrator, he vanished last night... We've searched everywhere—"
Wei Sok snickered at Ma Teng's words.
"Kuhaha! Brother! Isn't he just adorable? Hiding because he's sad you're leaving! You've raised a fine disciple. Kekeke."
'That tough kid hiding to cry? Probably holed up training somewhere.'
I clicked my tongue and asked no more.
"Then, I'm entrusting Changli to you all in my absence!"
"""Yes! My lord!"""
—Bwoooo!
The horn signaling departure rang out long.
Mai Lieje's carriage, escorted by the central army, exited the gates first.
"Entire force, we depart now!"
"Yes! My lord!"
"Yes! Brother!"
At my command, a thousand elite cavalry and the silk-laden caravan followed, kicking up massive dust clouds as they passed Changli's gates.
A month had passed since departing Changli.
The diplomatic procession finally reached the last oasis west of Dunhuang—near Jade Gate Pass.
Our group buzzed with tension and anticipation as we stocked final supplies from Dunhuang's foreign tribes, eyes on the vast desert ahead.
Beyond lay no Han territory. Once ruled by Ban Chao as Protector-General of the Western Regions, it was now unknown land to the Han.
"Ha... Well, our ways of working synced up with the elder after all."
Over the month's journey, Mai Lieje and I had come to understand each other.
Seeing my forces crush bandit groups everywhere and procure supplies from pre-befriended tribes, he'd been impressed.
As it repeated, Mai Lieje approached me first.
"Deputy Envoy Ye. I belittled your actions as merchant tricks... but your methods suit this wasteland. My judgment was narrow."
"Not at all, Elder. I knew your words were right, but adapting to every situation was hard—that's why I spoke so. I'm grateful for your understanding."
Mai Lieje was someone who could reflect on his own mistakes. As expected of my master's friend—not stubborn.
After that, my worries about him vanished.
Beyond improved relations with Mai Lieje, I'd learned something else on this trip... The central army captain guarding him was Ban Lang.
"My ancestors ruled these lands, so this path is familiar to me."
"Heh heh... Indeed."
Ban Lang turned out to be Ban Chao's direct descendant, fluent in Western tongues. He guarded Mai Lieje and served as the mission's official interpreter.
As I recalled the past month while soldiers bustled with resupply, tense and excited—I was checking defenses with Zhang Liao and returning to my tent to loosen up when...
The caravan chief rushed in, fidgeting.
"L-Lord Administrator! I must tell you... It's..."
The merchant hesitated, dragging a filthy little beggar boy before me. Dust-caked, but that face and fierce glare—I knew them instantly.
"...Ma Chao. How are you here—"
Ma Chao collapsed prostrate, kowtowing until his forehead might split.
"Master!"
His voice cracked raw.
"How could a disciple not follow his master's path! Please don't abandon me—take me with you!"
His bellow drew Zhang Liao and Wei Sok running in.
Zhang Liao clicked his tongue at the sight.
"Tch... That rascal went and caused trouble after all."
"Kuhaha! Look at that grit, brother! A real man! Just like your disciple!"
My anger at Ma Chao shifted to Wei Sok instantly.
"Oh? That impressive? Fine, Wei Sok. You're in charge of Ma Chao."
"Huh? No... Brother, what—"
"From now on, he's your direct subordinate. You feed him, bed him down. Got it? If he catches my eye or causes issues, I'll bury you in this desert. Clear?"
Wei Sok paled.
"N-no, Brother...!"
I glared at Ma Chao again.
He remained motionless, forehead to ground.
I wanted to send him back, but a ten-year-old alone on this brutal road was a death sentence.
I couldn't spare troops to escort him, nor beg favors from tribes.
"Ha..."
A sigh escaped.
"...Ma Chao, get up. And Wei Sok."
"Y-yes!"
"Clean him up and feed him now. No delays to tomorrow's march."
"Got it, brother! Come on, kid."
"...Yes."
A bit rigid Mai Lieje, a maturing but still grating Wei Sok. And now my fierce disciple Ma Chao.
"Munwon. Think this mission will end smoothly?"
"...Dunno, but it won't be quiet."
"Haa, yeah, figured."
Honestly, this lineup screamed trouble.
Wei Sok grumbled, dragging Ma Chao to his tent.
"Agh, damn it! Why do I have to babysit you! Kid, you've screwed my luck!"
He yelled like it was a grave injustice.
Ma Chao couldn't shake off his grip but hid nothing of his sullen glare.
'Of all people... this lightweight...'
He'd obey his master Lu Bu's order, but being under Wei Sok was unbearable.
This was the guy who'd toyed with him like a child at the training grounds.
Unaware or uncaring, Wei Sok kicked a water bucket at him.
"Wash up first."
Ma Chao quickly rinsed off, and Wei Sok grabbed his hand, marching out.
He headed to the campfire where soldiers gathered for dinner.
"Hey, kid! Move it! If you starve, my head rolls!"
"...Yes."
As they approached, the rough soldiers' mood flipped instantly.
"Oh! Captain Wei! You're here!"
"Captain! Great side dishes tonight! Have a drink!"
Soldiers swarmed him like an old pal, pressing cups into his hands.
Ma Chao couldn't fathom it.
Before Zhang Liao or Go Sun, soldiers froze in awe and fear.
Wei Sok was different.
Frivolous, cracking jokes at every turn. Yet the men followed him sincerely.
'Why does Master keep a guy like that around?'
As Ma Chao pondered, staring, Wei Sok called.
"What're you spacing out for, kid!"
He downed a cup soldiers poured and tossed Ma Chao some jerky.
"Eat. If the Administrator twists my neck over you starving, where's the justice?"
"...Thanks for the meal."
Ma Chao took it curtly. Wei Sok chuckled, ruffling his hair.
"Man, you're a tough one. How'd you sneak this far undetected? Look at those eyes—alive with spirit. Brother—no, the Administrator will love 'em."
He refilled his cup and added,
"Hey, kid, loosen up. This ain't a place for stuffy scholars. Right, lads?"
"Wahaha! Spot on!"
Wei Sok bantered noisily with the soldiers. Ma Chao silently chewed his tough jerky, watching.