Finest Servant

Chapter 574 A Thorny Issue

The two days of rest and recuperation on the spot were the happiest and liveliest moments for all the soldiers since their arrival in the Alxa Plateau. No clash of swords and shields, no slaughter and violence; everyone was captivated by the picturesque scenery. Li Wuling, who had recently recovered from severe injuries, showed remarkable progress over these two days. Just before they were about to depart, he was already capable of galloping on horseback.

In contrast, Yujia was unusually silent. She would occasionally sit beside the stream, lost in thought for a long time, sometimes smiling, sometimes crying—but she didn't speak to Lin Wanrong. Her icy demeanor was reminiscent of when she had first been captured in Bayanhot.

After two days of rest and resupply, the 5,000-strong force resumed their journey. Having conquered even the 'Sea of Death,' what difficulties could possibly hinder their advance? The trials faced in the desert had fortified the resolve of the troops, who were now filled with confidence about what lay ahead.

The river where they camped was called the Syr Darya River, originating from Tianshan's highest peak, Jengish Chokusu. It was considered one of the three silver belts of the Tianshan Mountains, along with the Yushui River and the Ili River.

Following the Syr Darya River upstream, they gradually approached the eastern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The terrain began to steepen and human settlements became increasingly scarce. Fields of high-mountain meadows covered in moss appeared like endless green carpets. Various colorful little flowers adorned the verdant grasslands, forming a vibrant tapestry. Ancient glacial mounds rose on either side of the river, shimmering in iridescent hues under the warm sunlight.

The breathtaking scenery made everyone walk and gaze in awe, losing themselves in the beauty around them, completely forgetting that they were on a military campaign.

The recently-recovered Li Wuling led his horse forward, marveling at the surroundings. "So this is the legendary Tianshan Mountains? Truly a place with a pleasant climate and picturesque scenery. If one could live here permanently, it would indeed be wonderful. By the way, Brother Lin, have you been to Tianshan before? Otherwise, how would you know that crossing the Lop Nur would lead us to the foot of the Tianshan Mountains?"

Lin Wanrong's performance along the way could only be described as miraculous. Starting from Yiwu, he led them on a route through the Silk Road that no one had ever taken before. Despite the hardships, they had amazingly crossed the 'Sea of Death.' Even when they were on the verge of getting lost upon exiting the desert, antelopes appeared to guide them. It was an unbelievable feat that left everyone in awe of General Lin's wisdom.

Li Wuling's question seemed to articulate the doubts everyone had. Not just Hu Bugui and others, but even Yujia, who had been silent throughout the journey, couldn't help but look his way, seemingly anticipating his answer.

Lin Wanrong blinked not an eye and said unabashedly, "Tianshan? Of course, I've been here! 'Reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles,' you've heard this saying, right? It's made just to describe people like me. Ah, I've always been a low-key person."

Li Wuling scrutinized him from top to bottom and shook his head, smiling, "Low-key people like you, Brother Lin, are truly rare to come by. But given your familiarity with Tianshan, you must have been here before. Where else have you been, Brother Lin?"

"From Goryeo, Ryukyu [TL: The old name of Okinawa], Dongyin, to Southeast Asia, the West, and Persia—I've left my footprints everywhere people exist," the man boasted.

‘You're only how old this year? Even if you started traveling from the womb, you couldn't possibly have covered so much ground!’ Hearing his grandiose claims, the crowd burst into hearty laughter.

As they ascended the mountain, the climate grew increasingly cold. The altitude rose steadily, transforming the landscape of the Tianshan Mountains. Green grass and colorful flowers vanished, replaced by deep layers of accumulated snow. What was once a warm, spring-like environment was now covered in a harsh cold. The glaciers and rivers were blocked by snow, and a thick layer of ice formed over them. The steep mountain terrain featured crisscrossing cracks within layers of ice, intricate as a spider's web. The largest of the fissures were several yards wide and two yards deep; one could still faintly hear the sound of rushing water.

"It's so cold," Lin Wanrong muttered, unconsciously cupping his ears as he began to slip. Beside him, he heard the chattering of teeth. Turning his head, he saw Yueya'er dressed thinly, her pretty face flushed from the cold. She hugged her frail arms, trembling from head to toe.

Lin Wanrong frowned. He had warned everyone before heading up the mountain to prepare for the cold. His men had draped themselves in makeshift layers of sheepskin and leaves for warmth, but only Yueya'er was so inadequately dressed. ‘How can one climb over the Tianshan Mountains' eternal snow like this?’

"Miss Yujia, in these clothes, you'd likely freeze into an icicle before we even cross the snowy mountain," he paused, eyeing Yueya'er sternly.

Ignoring him, Yueya'er pressed on silently, leaving Lin Wanrong somewhat annoyed. What did her silence mean? Was it a silent protest? He had offered advice only to hit a brick wall. Glancing at Yueya'er's retreating figure, he noticed her water flask, round and full of fresh water, hanging from her waist. It bore a familiar dried lip mark.

‘Can a broken flask ever be repaired?’ he mused, a peculiar sentiment rising within him. Memories of their joint struggles in a sandstorm, and how Yueya'er had snatched back the flask amidst a sandstorm, flashed before his eyes.

‘What's the point in quarreling with a woman?’ He shook his head, took a few strides, and grabbed her. "You, come here!"

Suddenly warmed by a long robe that still carried his body heat, Yueya'er whirled around, shaking off the garment angrily. "What are you doing?"

Lin Wanrong's expression turned icy. "Miss Yujia, my patience isn't endless. If you don't want to live, just tell me directly!"

Tossing the robe back to him, Yueya'er sneered, "What, not worried about me playing dangerous games anymore? I indeed wish to live, but Yujia doesn't need your pity! Mr. Wo Lao Gong, please have some respect for yourself!"

‘Stubborn as ever,’ Lin Wanrong sighed as he looked into her clear eyes. "Alright, alright, let's pretend I saw nothing. We'll leave each other be, go on. Kindness is truly a curse; consider me unlucky."

The bandit leader felt utterly disheartened. He grabbed his robe and turned away, his expression resolute as never before. Yujia clenched her red lips, seemingly lost in thought. Her small hand tightened into a fist, then relaxed, and tightened again.

As they continued their ascent, the mountain path grew steeper and the icy, slippery road made climbing arduous. After what felt like an eternity, their surroundings suddenly brightened. Before them lay an expansive, meandering lake. The water was calm as a mirror, as clear as morning dew. Tall spruce trees, white birch, and willows blanketed the surrounding slopes. Elegant pavilions and towers graced the western bank of the lake. Snowy mountains and green peaks reflected in the water, moving with the shimmering light, creating an enchanting, otherworldly scene.

"Such beautiful scenery," everyone gasped in awe. Gao Qiu muttered in amazement, "Is this perhaps the legendary Ninth Heaven Jade Lake?"

"Ah, Brother Gao is indeed learned," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "This is none other than Heaven Lake, the most renowned lake in the Tianshan Mountains and the very Heaven Lake where, according to legend, the Queen Mother of the West held her peach banquet. It is said that King Mu of Zhou journeyed here on his 'eight fine horses' to attend the grand gathering three thousand years ago. Later generations praised this with the lines, 'The Queen Mother opened her window, her song stirring the earth; King Mu traveled thirty thousand miles a day, why has he returned again?' Meaning that the landscape of this Heaven Lake is so enchanting that even King Mu couldn't resist revisiting."

[TL: Heaven Lake is also known as Tianchi.]

Upon hearing Lin Wanrong's explanation, everyone grew even more excited, discussing the lake animatedly. Even Yujia, who had been shivering from the cold, couldn't help but brighten her eyes and look around. The pure Tianchi was nestled among the snowy landscapes, like a mirror reflecting the immaculate snow peaks. It was a scene rarely seen, where snow met water and water met snow.

"So, what do you think of Tianchi?" Lin Wanrong asked, smiling at those around him.

"Marvelous, simply marvelous!" Little Li clapped his hands and laughed. "Brother Lin, when you have time, you must bring Miss Xu here to see it. She loves to explore natural landscapes, and knowing that there is such a Ninth Heaven Jade Lake, she will surely jump for joy. Once you two are married, you could build a wooden house here and visit from time to time. I could also stop by now and then, hehe."

This youngster had just recovered from a severe injury but had regained his former character, even daring to tease Advisor Xu. Everyone knew the unspoken relationship between General Lin and Miss Xu. When Li Wuling exposed it, the group burst into hearty laughter, their mood buoyant.

Thinking of Xu Zhiqing, who was far away in Helan Mountain, and the vows made in the desert, Lin Wanrong's heart trembled. And then there were Qingxuan and Ning'er back in the capital, likely counting the days for his safe return. He sighed softly, his eyes becoming moist.

Yujia turned her head and gazed quietly at the sprawling Tianchi, listening to Lin Wanrong's deep, prolonged breaths beside her. Her heartbeat raced, slowing down only to quicken again, her eyes increasingly filled with confusion.

She had heard of Xu Zhiqing, of course. So the bandit leader had some connections with this military advisor of Great Hua. She clenched her teeth tightly, her heart pounding erratically, impossible to restrain.

The bandit was truly the most peculiar man in the world. He appeared mischievous and seemingly uneducated, but wherever he went, he would regale people with captivating stories, told with astonishing ease and depth. The journey across the desert and through the Tianshan Mountains had become a mesmerizing sightseeing tour—weathering sandstorms, witnessing mirages, and gazing upon the Heavenly Lake. Time flowed like water as he spun his strange tales, and even the toughest hardships seemed to pass by unnoticed.

She stood there, dazed, her heart alternating between hot and cold. Unknowingly, tears began to fall.

Gao Qiu looked at the teary-eyed Yueya'er and blinked a few times. He chuckled and pulled Lin Wanrong aside. "Brother Lin, this is a joyous occasion!"

"A joyous occasion?" Looking at Old Gao's lewd smile, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but shudder.

Old Gao gestured toward Yueya'er and whispered in Lin Wanrong's ear, "Brother Lin, you've got some serious skills. Judging by Yueya'er's demeanor, she's fallen for you, body and soul. For someone of your esteemed status to take advantage of this Turkic woman—that's the greatest joy she could ever experience."

‘So, that's the good news,’ Lin Wanrong sighed lightly. "Brother Gao, do you find Yueya'er noble?"

"Noble!"

"Is she intelligent?"

"Intelligent!"

"Exactly," Lin Wanrong mused. "Yueya'er is no ordinary woman, as you well know. A woman as proud, noble, beautiful, and intelligent as she is, particularly one as outstanding as Yueya'er, wouldn't fall so easily, would she?"

Old Gao pondered for a moment. "Perhaps not for others, but with your charisma, Brother Lin, it's a different story."

Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder, "Brother Gao, humility is a virtue. Apart from being slightly better looking, a bit more educated, and having slightly better character, I really don't have much else to offer. I don't deserve such high praise from you. Don't go around broadcasting this. Just let these thousands of brothers know me a little—that's all. Being low-key has always been my way of life."

"Brother Lin, you're truly humble and low-key," Old Gao said, wiping away sweat. "So, what's going on with Miss Yueya'er?"

"I'd like to know that as well," Lin Wanrong spread his hands and sighed. "But given the current situation, not only am I clueless, but it seems she herself is also confused. Could anything be more complicated?"

‘Indeed, it's tricky,’ Old Gao looked at him sympathetically. ‘Only Brother Lin could go toe-to-toe with a woman like Yueya'er for multiple rounds. Anyone else would have surrendered long ago.’

Burdened with these concerns, they continued towards the peak. The snow increased, the terrain grew treacherous. Just a few hundred yards from the summit, Lin Wanrong looked up to the sky and saw a faint green mountain range, obscured and elusive, stretching out infinitely.

Hu Bugui stood beside him, excitedly asking, "General, is that the place we're headed for?"

"Yes," Lin Wanrong swung his arm forcefully. "That is the Altai Mountains. From this point on, the cavalry of the Great Hua will break through the Turkic royal court!"

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