Chapter 51: Without Shortcomings (1)

“We’re back! We’re back! Our grand commander has returned to Shule City!”
Nearly a hundred steps away from the city gates, Wang Xiaochun began shouting at the top of his voice. He strived to tear off his plain white Persian robe and throw it far away, venting all the frustration in his heart.
After nearly two months, the “Xemis” caravan disguised as soldiers from the Tang Dynasty finally set foot on this familiar land of yellow soil. Having been immersed in the culture of the Eastern Lands for so long, these Han men had pent-up anger.
How could those temples with round domes and white walls compare to the grand and magnificent palaces of the Tang Dynasty? And how could that strange, gibbering language compare to the familiar and natural Tang dialect? Even those so-called jihadis, in the eyes of the soldiers, were nothing but timid, rigid, and uninteresting puppets. Hadn’t the sages said that the benevolent cultivate themselves through virtue? Those so-called believers either oppressed the good or plundered recklessly—where was any trace of virtue?
It was still the Tang Dynasty’s culture that was profound and inclusive. Even if the Persians offered a position of governor as a lure, none of them would be tempted! How could such a country rule Transoxiana for long? It was because the Tang Dynasty was distracted dealing with the Turks and Tibetans that the Persians took advantage of the situation. If they really went all out, those Persian “monkeys” might not even be a match for the Han men!
With such thoughts, upon returning to Shule Town, the Tang soldiers naturally wanted to enjoy themselves thoroughly—this was how they could repay their own hard journey. Bathed in the soft sunlight, they stood straight and marched with purpose, welcoming the cheers meant for them.
This mission had secured the promise of King Ashilanda of Bakhtria, and they had successfully completed the tasks assigned by the emperor and Grand Commander Gao Xianzhi, thus deserving these cheers. After all, though Bakhtria was small, its influence in Transoxiana could not be underestimated. With Bakhtria as a stronghold, once the Tang forces in Anxi advanced into Transoxiana, they would surely be able to sweep away all the barbarians!
The general waiting at the city gates was Du Moye, the commander of Shule Town. Since completing the task assigned to him by Li Kuo, he had earned the trust of the young man. As a Turgesh, he had far more things to consider than those Han generals. His sensitive identity often touched the nerves of various factions, and how to quell doubts and gain everyone’s trust was the biggest challenge for him.
But at this moment, he no longer needed to worry about such things. During Li Kuo’s absence in Transoxiana, he had acted as the grand commander, governing Shule City in an orderly manner.

What do the Han people say? Ah, “You won’t pick up lost items on the road, nor lock your doors at night!”
Who says barbarian generals only know how to fight bravely? Du Moyei has already cleared the name of his barbarian brothers!
Du Moyei let out a long sigh, narrowed his eyes, and stared at the approaching group. Two days earlier, scouts from the Tongwu Camp had come to Shule City to inform him that the army was returning. The grand commander had advised keeping it quiet, as this mission was secret and shouldn’t be publicized. But Du Moyei didn’t agree—after all, the grand commander had done a great service for the Tang army in Anxi. Even if no official rewards came from the imperial court, the people of Shule must not let the commander down.
Besides, which general doesn’t like praise, and which man doesn’t enjoy adulation?
A smile gradually appeared on Du Moyei’s lips as he stepped forward quickly.
“Your humble servant, Du Moyei, pays his respects to the grand commander. Thank you for your hard work on this journey!”
When he reached Li Kuo’s horse, Du Moyei knelt on one knee and saluted Li Kuo militarily.
Li Kuo was initially puzzled by the crowd gathered around the city gate, but seeing Du Moyei’s beaming face, he immediately understood.
So this was the trick this young man had used!
The young man smiled bitterly but still helped Du Moyei up.
“General Du, there’s no need for such formalities. In fact, it’s you who’ve taken on the hard work for me.”
Li Kuo remained approachable, offering Du Moyei a gentle smile that eased the tension.
“Hehe, if not for your excellent governance, how could a simple man like me manage Shule so well? Without your approval, the armory officials would never have been able to produce so many arrows in such a short time. Without your support, the merchants in Shule City would never have agreed to sell their stored grain at low prices. I’ve merely done some practical work on your behalf. As the saying goes, ‘The predecessors plant the trees, and the descendants enjoy the shade!’ All the credit goes to you, the grand commander!”
Du Moyei blurted out these sweet words, completely ignoring the disdainful looks from his comrades. The Han people—great in everything except for being able to hold back their pride. How thick could their faces really be? If their faces couldn’t keep them warm, might as well take them off and enjoy some freedom!
But Zhang Yanji clearly didn’t think so.
Seeing how obsequious this man was, Young Master Zhang pushed his way forward and said, “Hey, General Du, can’t you report your achievements somewhere else instead of at the city gate? We’ve traveled thousands of miles from Hezhong—do you really want us to just stand here in the dirt?”

“As you say, how could that be? I was just so excited upon seeing the Grand Commander return!”
Du Moye wasn’t annoyed at all; she smiled coquettishly and withdrew her hand. This young master Zhang had a background no less impressive than that of the Grand Commander. It was said his grandfather held a position as vice minister in the court. Though she wasn’t very familiar with the Han official system, Du Moye could generally tell who held higher or lower status in the political world!
For someone with such connections, they were usually sent to the military to gain experience. When dealing with such people, it was best to avoid offending them if possible!
“That’s good!”
Zhang Yanji led his warhorse toward the city gate, ignoring the astonished expressions of the guards standing by.
“Go slowly! Hey, slow down—don’t hurt yourself!”
Du Moye nearly fell to the ground after being bumped by Zhang Yanji; she waved her hand and called out…
“Miss, miss! The Grand Commander has returned!”
The maid Xiaotao rushed into the room, out of breath, and told Ni Xin.
She had gone to the front yard as usual to ask the household manager for the money needed to buy needles, thread, and cloth, but accidentally overheard the news that the Grand Commander had returned to the city. This was tremendous news! Ever since the Grand Commander left, the young lady had lost her appetite and seemed to have lost weight. No matter how much she tried to persuade her, the young lady wouldn’t listen. Now that the Grand Commander had returned, her worry should be resolved!
“Xiaotao, what did you say? Did I hear wrong? Who… who has returned?”
Ni Xin was stunned, and the wooden block in her hand fell to the ground. He… he had returned? Why so suddenly? Why didn’t he give her any time to prepare…
“You heard right! It’s the general who’s returned. How many Grand Commanders could there be in Shule Town? The Grand Commander you’ve longed for is back!”
Xiaotao teased her relentlessly, seeing Ni Xin’s dazed state.
“You little brat!”
Only then did Miss Ni realize the silly girl was teasing her. She grabbed a mandarin duck-shaped pillow beside her and threw it at Xiaotao.
“Ah, miss, please spare me! I know my mistake, I really do!”
Though she begged for mercy, Xiaotao showed no sincerity at all. This young lady was tough on the outside but gentle on the inside. Despite her cold appearance, her heart was warmer than anyone else’s. Those who got close to her would really struggle without her for a while.
Well, among all the talented people in Shule City, only the Grand Commander deserved to be served by such a young lady!

“What shall I do? My robe isn’t even finished yet, and he happens to return at just this time!”
Ni Xin pursed her lips and lowered her head, staring at a dark blue robe not far away as she whispered.
“Pfft!”
Xiao Tao couldn’t help but laugh for a moment, holding onto the table to avoid bending over from laughter.
“Miss, it seems your robe won’t be ready in another month or so. In my opinion, the Grand Commander returned at just the right time. If he had come any later, you might have been exhausted beyond measure. How could you then ask him to modify the robe?”
Ever since Ni Xin moved into the commander’s residence, Xiao Tao was assigned by the steward to serve her. Initially thinking Ni Xin was one of the commander’s concubines who was extremely delicate, Xiao Tao treated her with great care. But after spending a few days together, she found that Ni Xin wasn’t as pretentious as she had imagined. On the contrary, this young lady had an extraordinary sense of ease and freedom.
Xiao Tao, who was naturally active, was overjoyed to have such a master. Ni Xin, too, was a person from the martial world who couldn’t stand being bound by rules; having someone to talk to made her feel comfortable.
Thus, though they were master and servant in name, they were actually close friends.
As close friends, Xiao Tao could say anything she wouldn’t dare say to her master to Ni Xin without hesitation.
Ni Xin, of course, wouldn’t argue with her. She just gave her a glance and sighed, “It’s good he’s here. I can have him try it on to see if it fits. If not, I can make adjustments!”
“If the Grand Commander sees such a tight-fitting robe, he’ll surely laugh his head off!”
Xiao Tao spread her hands and shook her head, smiling softly.
“You silly girl!”
Ni Xin stepped forward and tapped Xiao Tao’s nose lightly, saying irritably, “What are you standing around for? Hurry up and help me get ready. Do you expect me to meet him in such a disheveled state?”
Ni Xin instinctively stroked her loose hair at the temples and went to the mirror to get dressed.
“Yes, your servant obeys!”
Xiao Tao watched Ni Xin with a half-smile, as if enjoying a wonderful performance.
“Though, I heard from the elders in the mansion that lovers see beauty in everyone they love. You don’t need to worry. No matter who the Grand Commander forgets, he won’t forget you!”