IDWBE -Chapter 370 Conflict

Though he had started out as a common laborer, his blade had tasted plenty of blood. Especially after entering Qingyuan City as a constable, the heads he had cut off were enough to build a mound of skulls.

“Stop this nonsense. This is the Governor’s Office. Drawing blades here—whether you live or die doesn’t matter much. But given your statuses—one the Commander of the Guards, the other the Capital Camp Commander—if rumors start flying, people will think we Sanhe men have no regard for the law,” Sun Chongde said helplessly. “I advise you both to value harmony. There’s no need to hurt feelings over this.”

Thinking about their personalities, he couldn’t understand why such a clash of pride had erupted.

He Hong was from the northern frontier, broad-minded and sociable, able to get along with anyone. Whether in Prince He’s residence or in the army, he was well liked. And one didn’t become Commander of the Guards by being reckless. A fool could never rise to that position.

As for Wei Yishan, though young, he was clever and calculating, never one to start conflicts lightly. Even the Prince had praised him, calling him an honest young gentleman.

Two men like that coming to blows—it seemed unbelievable to anyone watching.

“Then I’ll wait for another opportunity to experience General Wei’s skills,” He Hong said at last, sheathing his blade with a clang and saluting Wei Yishan before striding away.

Sun Chongde was right. Their identities were no longer what they once were. Any disturbance they caused would become a major affair.

Moreover, he served close to the Prince. Every action of his represented the Prince. If he did anything that harmed the Prince’s reputation, the Prince himself might not care enough to interfere—

But He Jixiang and Hong Ying certainly would not let him off lightly.

At best, he would receive a stern reprimand. At worst, he might lose his position as Commander.

Not worth it over a small matter.

“No need to see you out,” Wei Yishan said coldly, watching He Hong recede into the distance.

When He Hong was far enough away, Sun Chongde turned curiously to Wei Yishan. “I truly don’t understand. You two have no grudges, no enmity. What’s all this about? You’re practically family—how did it come to drawing blades?”

“Who says I have no grudge against him?” Wei Yishan replied through clenched teeth.

“Then what grudge? I’ve never heard of any,” Sun Chongde said, even more puzzled.

He was considered an old hand around the Prince. Whether inside the residence or on the streets, there was little he didn’t know.

“Forgive me. I must go. I shouldn’t keep Lord He waiting,” Wei Yishan said, and entered the office without looking back.

Sun Chongde scratched his head as he watched him leave, then noticed Zhu Ruorong approaching from not far off. Smiling, he said, “You saw that?”

“I sensed the killing intent from a long way off,” Zhu Ruorong grinned. “What a pity they didn’t actually fight. Would’ve been a fine show.”

“You’re our information broker. Do you know why those two can’t stand each other?” Sun Chongde felt that if he didn’t solve this mystery, he’d lose sleep over it.

Zhu Ruorong put on a show of reluctance. “This is family business. Isn’t it improper for me to gossip?”

“Brother, it’s about time for a meal. Let’s go have a drink. It’s been a long time since we drank together.”

Without waiting for agreement, Sun Chongde dragged him into a nearby tavern.

They took a private room. When the wine and dishes arrived, Sun personally poured for Zhu Ruorong.

“Oh my, brother—out of all these people, you’re the one who hasn’t changed. You’re now a drill instructor in the Capital Camp, such a big official, yet still as amiable as before,” Zhu Ruorong said, almost flattered.

“Brother, you don’t know,” Sun Chongde said helplessly. “What kind of official is a drill instructor? Just a martial arts teacher. Outside the training grounds, no one even knows who you are. Come, I toast you.”

They raised their cups and drained them.

“You can’t say that,” Zhu Ruorong smacked his lips. “Not just anyone can be a drill instructor. Since you’ve caught Lord He’s eye, your promotion is only a matter of time. You’re young—no need to rush.”

“Let’s hope so,” Sun said, refilling his cup. “But you still haven’t told me about He Hong and Wei Yishan. Don’t worry—I won’t tell a soul.”

“Well, many people already know,” Zhu Ruorong said with a sly grin. “Back in the day, Wei Yishan and He Hong were quite close. But Wei treated him as a brother—while He Hong wanted to be his father.”

“…What?”

What did that even mean?

Sun Chongde felt the implications were heavy, and he wasn’t sure he could process them.

“You’ve seen Wei Yishan’s mother,” Zhu Ruorong said, belching lightly. “The butcher Jiang once said she was the number one beauty of Baiyun City in her day. The men who wanted to marry her could line up from West Street all the way to Baiyun Temple. Even now, though past her prime, she still has her charm.”

As he spoke, he even licked his lips, drool nearly forming.

“Well…”

Sun Chongde had to admit Wei Yishan’s mother was beautiful—mature and captivating.

But surely not He Hong!

Why would he pass over young maidens to pursue a widow? Who would believe such a thing?

“It’s true, I swear,” Zhu Ruorong insisted. “They’d apparently taken a liking to each other long ago. Wei Yishan even caught them once. He Hong ran fast, so it didn’t come to blows—but from that day on, Wei has regarded him as a mortal enemy.”

“I never would’ve imagined… never imagined…” Sun muttered. Of all the possibilities he had considered, this one had never crossed his mind. “So they cut off contact?”

“Who knows?” Zhu Ruorong finished another cup. “Back then, He Hong earned well but was still just an ordinary guard. His prospects weren’t fully open. Now it’s different. Commander of the Guards—wealth and power in hand. If he so much as opens his mouth, which wealthy family wouldn’t scramble to offer up a daughter? He can pick whatever kind of girl he wants. My guess? He probably doesn’t even fancy Wei Yishan’s mother anymore.”

“That does make sense,” Sun Chongde nodded thoughtfully.

“Brother, you’re not young anymore either,” Zhu Ruorong said curiously. “When I was your age, my kid was already six. You should hurry up too. If there’s no one you fancy, take a concubine first. Later, marry a proper young lady from a good family.”

“Thank you for the concern,” Sun Chongde said, rubbing his fingers together. “But my pockets aren’t exactly full right now. I’ll wait until I make a fortune before marrying and having children.”

“That’s reasonable.”

They chatted on, finishing an entire jar of wine.

By the time the sun set, the two men emerged from the tavern with arms slung over each other’s shoulders.