TGWM Ch. 9

Chapter 9: Listening to Music

Although Lu Sheng always maintained a non-confrontational attitude, there were always people who disliked him. Being different was the root of trouble.

The newly appointed squad leader, Liang Hui, had been in service for over a year. When he learned that Lu Sheng had only arrived at the Northern Army camp last winter, he found it difficult to accept that someone of unremarkable skill had caught Lin Aoxue’s eye. After the battle in early spring, Lu Sheng had even been promoted to squad leader.

This left Liang Hui with a bitter feeling. Moreover, Lu Sheng never participated in off-duty activities with the other soldiers. His aloof and silent nature displeased even the soldiers under his command, who frequently complained about him during their drinking gatherings. Over time, the conflict between Liang Hui and Lu Sheng escalated.

One day, during training hours, Liang Hui and his men blocked Lu Sheng’s path on the way to the drill grounds, provoking him with taunts and challenging him to a contest. The soldiers behind Liang Hui joined in, stirring up a commotion, while those following Lu Sheng kept their heads lowered in silence.

Lu Sheng cast a sidelong glance at Liang Hui but ignored him, attempting to bypass him. However, Liang Hui reached out to block his way, making it clear that he wouldn’t back down without a fight.

Just as Lu Sheng was about to reprimand Liang Hui and demand he step aside, someone from behind took advantage of the chaos and shoved him forward. Seizing the moment, Liang Hui threw a punch, landing it squarely on Lu Sheng’s right cheek.

Lu Sheng was not as composed as Lin Aoxue. That punch completely ignited the suppressed fury within him.

Like a lone wolf prowling the snowy wilderness, his gaze turned fierce, filled with a maddened killing intent. Without a second thought, he lunged at Liang Hui with reckless abandon. His attacks were unrefined, devoid of any technique, yet every strike was executed with sheer desperation, as if he intended to drag Liang Hui down with him. He fought with utter abandon, bordering on insanity.

Liang Hui was momentarily startled by the ferocity, but Lu Sheng didn’t care about the blows he received in return. Like a rabid wolf, he clawed at Liang Hui’s throat, pinning him to the ground. Amidst the gasps of the onlooking soldiers, Lu Sheng lowered his voice and warned, “A man with nothing to lose doesn’t fear a man with everything to lose. You dare provoke me? I dare kill you. Do you believe me?”

Under Lu Sheng’s icy, penetrating stare, Liang Hui felt an uncontrollable chill spread through him. It was as if he were being watched by a venomous serpent. His face turned deathly pale, and his teeth chattered involuntarily.

Lu Sheng released him without another word and strode toward the drill grounds, not caring whether the soldiers behind him followed or not.

Liang Hui clambered to his feet. As his initial fear subsided and his body stopped trembling, shame and seething rage took its place. His face darkened, and when he noticed the soldiers around him watching with expressions that seemed to carry amusement and mockery, his fury only grew. He bellowed, “Get lost, all of you!”

The soldiers scattered like frightened birds.

***

When Lu Sheng arrived at the drill grounds, he unexpectedly spotted Lin Aoxue outside the training field.

Ever since Lin Aoxue had been promoted to platoon leader, she had taken on more responsibilities within the camp. Due to her exceptional martial skills, she was held in high regard and frequently summoned by Field Marshal Yang Jin to observe and oversee the training of hundred-man and thousand-man formations. As a result, she seldom appeared at the drill grounds anymore.

Lu Sheng halted and saluted Lin Aoxue.

Judging by her demeanor, Lin Aoxue had been waiting for some time. As the sunlight cast a glow over her usually cool and detached face, her expression seemed softer than usual. She lifted her chin slightly and asked, “Tell me, what was your mistake?”

Lu Sheng pondered for a moment before replying, “I was too impulsive. I should have endured instead of acting recklessly. I spoke without restraint.”

He believed that Lin Aoxue was questioning him because he lacked the composure to remain indifferent, unlike her. He thought she disapproved of his conflict with Liang Hui and the harsh words he had spoken.

However, after he finished speaking, Lin Aoxue shook her head. “No, think again.”

This time, Lu Sheng’s face showed a trace of confusion. He furrowed his brows, contemplating for a long while, but still couldn’t grasp her meaning.

Seeing this, Lin Aoxue let out a quiet sigh. In the end, Lu Sheng was merely the son of a farming family, having read only a handful of books. His worldview was narrow, his knowledge limited. What he could perceive was far too little.

She stepped forward and asked, “Who is your real enemy?”

Lu Sheng’s expression turned serious. “The barbarian general, Doran.”

Lin Aoxue narrowed her eyes slightly and asked again, “Do you think you can kill Doran with your strength alone?”

Lu Sheng’s face stiffened, and he fell silent.

Doran wasn’t some undisciplined soldier like Liang Hui. He wasn’t someone Lu Sheng could take down just by recklessly charging at him. Even if he trained tirelessly in martial arts, how long would it take for him to surpass Doran in skill? Five years? Ten?

Lu Sheng had no answer.

Lin Aoxue pulled a military strategy book from her robes and tossed it to him. As he hastily caught it, she finally spoke. “Finish this book within a month, then give me your answer.”

What she needed wasn’t a reckless warrior who only knew how to fight and die alone, but a subordinate with both intelligence and bravery, someone who could see the bigger picture.

After tossing the book to Lu Sheng, Lin Aoxue left the training grounds. Following this incident, the five soldiers under Lu Sheng became noticeably more disciplined—especially the one who had pushed him earlier. That soldier spent his days on edge, terrified that Lu Sheng would take revenge.

Fortunately for him, Lu Sheng was too absorbed in Lin Aoxue’s teachings and the military book to bother holding a grudge.

***

Another month passed, and on a rare day off, Lin Aoxue had just stepped out of Yang Jin’s tent when she spotted Beichen Ji and Shang Wu walking toward her with their arms slung around each other’s shoulders. Beichen Ji was whispering something to Shang Wu with a mischievous glint in his eye. Seeing their expressions, Lin Aoxue instantly knew they were up to no good and turned to leave.

However, just as she took a step, Beichen Ji spotted her and quickly called out, “Hey! Lin-laoge!”

(T/N: 老哥 (lǎogē) means “big brother”; usually used for fun nowadays. Like, when a guy is your best bro and you are respect him, you can call him laoge in friendship way)

Lin Aoxue sighed inwardly but stopped nonetheless. Beichen Ji and Shang Wu hurried over, and before they even reached her, Beichen Ji was already waving his arm and speaking loudly.

“We’ve been looking for you! So this is where you’ve been!”

Lin Aoxue glanced at Shang Wu before finally asking Beichen Ji, “What is it?”

Beichen Ji cleared his throat and cautiously proposed, “The two of us were thinking of going to Yanyu Tower to listen to some music. Want to join us?”

Lin Aoxue raised an eyebrow. Oh? This brat actually dares to invite me to Yanyu Tower? Seeing Beichen Ji putting on a fawning smile, Lin Aoxue didn’t outright embarrass him but simply rejected him in a straightforward manner. “I don’t have time.”

To her surprise, Beichen Ji became anxious and started circling around her, rambling non-stop. “This time, we really are just going to listen to music! Lin-laoge, come with us!”

Lin Aoxue’s brows furrowed. She looked at Beichen Ji as if he were an idiot. “If you want to go, then go. Why must you drag me along?”

Realizing she truly didn’t want to go, Beichen Ji suddenly gritted his teeth, as if preparing for battle, and blurted out the truth, “My father has spies in Yanyu Tower. If I go there with Shang-xiong, we’ll definitely get thrown out. But my father trusts you—if you come with us, we’ll be fine!”

Lin Aoxue’s face darkened, making Beichen Ji’s heart pound like a war drum. After a long silence, Lin Aoxue finally let out a deep sigh. “You’re really just going to listen to music?”

Seeing a glimmer of hope, Beichen Ji nodded frantically. “Yes!”

His bootlicking expression nearly made Shang Wu burst out laughing. He was holding it in so hard his stomach hurt.

Lin Aoxue let out a cold scoff, clearly unimpressed by Beichen Ji’s antics. She shot him a fierce glare before finally speaking. 

“Fine.”

Beichen Ji was overjoyed, practically bouncing as he walked, whispering excitedly into Lin Aoxue’s ear, “Lin-laoge, you won’t regret coming to Yanyu Tower this time!” Lin Aoxue shot him a sidelong glance, only to hear him continue rambling. “Tonight, Miss Yun Yan is performing!” As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with excitement.

So it’s just for this?

Lin Aoxue’s gaze toward Beichen Ji was full of disdain, but he didn’t mind at all. Instead, he pulled Shang Wu along and eagerly continued discussing the women of Yanyu Tower.

Following behind them, Lin Aoxue felt an overwhelming sense of shame. Even though she wasn’t participating in their conversation, the glances from passersby felt especially knowing, making her unconsciously straighten her posture and maintain a cold expression. By the time they reached Yanyu Tower, the air around her was so heavy that Shang Wu’s face had gone stiff, and his back instinctively straightened.

Tonight, Yanyu Tower was especially crowded—undoubtedly because of Yun Yan’s performance. A welcoming girl spotted the three of them approaching and warmly led them inside.

Beichen Ji had a special status at Yanyu Tower. Even though they had arrived late, they were still ushered into a private room with an excellent view and a comfortable atmosphere.

As usual, the brothel madam personally greeted them and left a few women to accompany Beichen Ji. The one who remained by Lin Aoxue’s side happened to be the same young maid who had helped her to a guest room to rest last time—her name was Yueqin.

Perhaps because of that previous encounter, Yueqin had some understanding of Lin Aoxue’s temperament. She didn’t try to get too close and simply stood quietly by, occasionally exchanging a few words with the others. Compared to the performers entertaining Shang Wu and Beichen Ji, Yueqin was much more reserved.

Lin Aoxue let out a subtle sigh of relief. She was truly uncomfortable in places like this. The entire time, she sat rigidly, maintaining a proper posture, and only spoke when absolutely necessary.

Downstairs, the hall was lively and noisy. Several musicians took the stage to perform, but the young nobles below clamored for Yun Yan. The madam skillfully defused the situation, teasing the young men while allowing the performers to finish their pieces. Once the musicians retreated, the room suddenly fell into silence.

Beichen Ji craned his neck toward the stage, Shang Wu also focused intently, and even Lin Aoxue found herself glancing over.

Yun Yan stepped onto the elevated stage, dressed in a flowing pale pink gown. Her makeup was light, enhancing her already delicate features—elegant brows, striking eyes, a slender waist as graceful as a willow. She was enchanting yet not vulgar, mesmerizing in a way that held an unshakable allure. Her every movement, every slight smile, captivated the hearts of the noblemen below.

The young nobles held their breath, utterly entranced. Beichen Ji and Shang Wu both stared, their eyes fixed on her. Somewhere in the hall, someone swallowed audibly, the sound unnervingly loud in the quiet room.

Lin Aoxue furrowed her brows, a flicker of disgust rising at the men’s reactions.

Her gaze shifted back to the stage. Despite being in a place like this, Yun Yan carried no trace of the usual courtesan’s demeanor. Though her smile was alluring, it wasn’t ingratiating. She neither fawned nor pandered, even while being worshipped by the crowd. Instead, she stood like a lotus blooming in the mire—serene and untarnished.

Lin Aoxue’s tensed shoulders gradually relaxed. Her gaze toward Yun Yan now held a touch of admiration, along with a hint of appreciation.

This Yun Yan… is certainly an unusual person.