Chapter 12: Where Did Hua Xiong Go?

The gates of Hangu Pass creaked open slowly as figures swept past.

Until...

"Mmmph! Mmmph-mmph-mmph, mmmph!"

Niu Fu looked at Hua Xiong, who was trussed up like a zongzi, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes before he turned to Chen Cong.

"Zining, what is this...?"

Chen Cong inwardly thought, "As expected."

Without a word, he raised his hand and slapped Hua Xiong on the shoulder, causing the latter to wince and bare his teeth in pain.

Chen Cong then explained, "This scoundrel dared to insult my father-in-law. He said, 'Niu Fu, you idiot, get lost.' Father-in-law, do not be angry; I will discipline him properly later."

Hua Xiong’s eyes widened in terror.

This damn sense of familiarity—it was exactly the same rhetoric Chen Cong had used when he swindled Pan Feng back then!

What he had actually said was: "General Niu, I am here for the prisoner exchange!"

Niu Fu frowned in disgust. "Forget it. I cannot be bothered to argue with a captured general."

Chen Cong chuckled, took a bundle of bamboo scrolls from Chen Yi, and handed them to Niu Fu.

"Father-in-law, these are my reply letters to our relatives. The one for Grandfather-in-law—if he remembers you, give it to him; if not, forget it. You know how he finds me tiresome."

Niu Fu tucked the bamboo scrolls away. "Do not worry, Zining, I understand."

...

As Hangu Pass gradually faded into the distance, Hua Xiong’s heart sank to the bottom of an abyss.

Initially, he had thought that this time he would surely return to the side of the Grand Preceptor. Who would have thought that the scoundrel Chen would be so utterly devoid of integrity!

He had promised to release him, only to go back on his word!

Chen Cong smiled, removed the rag from Hua Xiong’s mouth, and said earnestly, "Daxiong, come to Bingzhou with me."

"..." Hua Xiong turned his head away, refusing to look at that detestable face.

In his life, the people he hated most were, first, the scoundrel Chen, and second, Pan Feng!

He wanted to curse him as a "despicable villain," but he feared getting beaten again, so he simply chose to stay silent and play dumb.

Chen Cong did not mind and continued, "Indeed, if I were you, I wouldn't want to go to Bingzhou either. Chang'an is so comfortable; there's no need for war. You can drink a little wine all day, hold beauties in your arms—just thinking about it is wonderful."

"Cease your nonsense! Do you think I am some coward who fears death?!" Hua Xiong was somewhat annoyed. However, as he was strapped horizontally across the back of a packhorse, he tried to glare at Chen Cong, but he lacked any imposing presence while looking up from that angle.

"Oh?" Chen Cong asked skeptically. "Then why are you so determined to return to Chang'an?"

Hua Xiong felt his defenses crumbling and roared, "If I don't return to Chang'an, what then? Should I assist a rebel?!"

Chen Cong pulled on the reins to stop his horse, staring straight at Hua Xiong.

Hua Xiong felt uncomfortable under his gaze and turned his head away guiltily. "Why are you looking at me?"

"I am looking at how you are truly ignorant of the ways of the world. Have you never heard that 'distant kin should not interfere with close relations'? I am kin to your master; we are connected by blood. If you call me a rebel, then what does that make my father-in-law?"

"This... you treacherous, silver-tongued devil, I cannot out-argue you!"

...

Chen Cong did not mind and said, "Let me analyze it for you further. If you come to Bingzhou with me, there is a vast world where you can achieve great things, and you can even lead the Flying Bear Army. The Flying Bear! Doesn't that sound like a dream?"

"..." Hua Xiong kept silent, inwardly scorning Chen Cong’s character.

Chen Cong continued, "What can you achieve by sneaking back to Chang'an now? You would be nothing more than a captured general. Even if others don't say it to your face, won't they whisper behind your back? A prisoner exchanged for a thousand Flying Bear soldiers—what a massive loss of face."

"..."

"But it would be different if you came to Bingzhou with me. I will not only let you lead troops, but I will also teach you how to use your blade. Think about it: under my command, counting Ah Zhuo, there are only two generals. If you put in a little effort and pick up some merits, it would be enough to make a name for yourself in the world."

"..."

"If there is a change in Guanzhong, I will order you to lead the troops to save my father-in-law. When you return home in glory, you will have turned the tide and saved the falling empire. By then, who would care that you were captured twice?"

"..."

"If that day truly comes, wouldn't my father-in-law take your hand and sigh, 'I never expected that among all my subordinates, only Hua Xiong is a true hero'?"

"..."

"Most importantly, by going to Bingzhou, you are assisting the grandson-in-law of the Grand Preceptor, not defecting to the rebels supported by the alliance leader. It isn't even considered a surrender, so your reputation for loyalty remains untarnished. My father-in-law would never make things difficult for your wife and children, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about."

"..."

"If I have said all this and you still don't give me any face, I will have no choice but to write a letter to my father-in-law, saying that Hua Xiong has secretly defected to Cao Cao and refuses to return west."

For a moment, even Hua Xiong felt that he was the one being ungrateful.

It seemed that if he didn't follow Chen Cong to Bingzhou, he would be the one who was disloyal to his master, heartless to his friends, incompetent in military command, a coward who feared death, and a scoundrel who only sought comfort.

Looking back silently toward Chang'an for a long time, Hua Xiong let out a heavy sigh.

"Untie me. I... I am willing to go to Bingzhou and assist the Grand Preceptor’s grandson-in-law."

"Hahaha! That’s the spirit!" Chen Cong waved his hand grandly. "Untie him! Bring General Hua his armor!"

Chen Yi immediately released the ropes.

Chen Er brought over a tall, sturdy horse.

Chen San presented a nine-foot long-bladed polearm.

Chen Si brought a brand-new suit of armor.

Hua Xiong donned his helmet and tightened the ropes of his cloak.

He closed his eyes for a long moment... and when he opened them again, that bear-like warrior had returned.

He knelt on one knee, clenching his fist and bowing his head.

Then, taking the blade in hand, he mounted his horse.

With a tug of the reins, the warhorse reared up, letting out a series of joyous whinnies.

Chen Cong smiled so broadly his face practically crumpled.

As of now, the value of this former Liangzhou general was higher than any general in Cao Cao’s camp.

This fellow had fought by Dong Zhuo’s side for years and was especially familiar with the fighting style of the Xiliang cavalry.

Although Cheng Zhuo was good, his experience was more that of a soldier than a general.

There was a fundamental difference between the two.

Moreover, Hua Xiong had a solid foundation. His physique was only slightly inferior to Dian Wei and Xu Chu, and comparable to Xiahou Dun.

With a few years of careful training, it was not impossible for him to go toe-to-toe with the world's peerless warriors.

...

In the afternoon, the sun was bright.

A gentle breeze brushed against the face, soft as a beauty’s hand.

Under the shade of the weeping willows, maidens swayed fans, served fruit, and massaged shoulders.

A stout, obese figure squatted, leaning awkwardly on a tiny stool.

As the Seven-Star Sword flashed, he carved a colt out of high-quality pear wood in just a few strokes, his technique as skilled as an old carpenter with years of experience.

Not far away, various lifelike wood carvings were neatly arranged, the wooden boxes holding them even edged with gold.

If anyone saw this, they would never believe that this kind-looking, chubby old man was the infamous demon king, Dong Zhuo.

"Father-in-law, I have returned."

Seemingly dissatisfied at being interrupted, Dong Zhuo gave a soft grunt and said nothing more, not even looking up at his travel-worn son-in-law as he continued to carve, stroke by stroke, the tenderness belonging to his great-grandson.

Dong Si—with such a strong father, he must be a lively, tiger-headed little boy, right?

He was still missing a small wooden sword.

Niu Fu felt slighted, but he stood quietly for a moment before cupping his hands. "If Father-in-law has no other instructions, this son-in-law will take his leave."

"Hmm... wait. Why have I not seen Hua Xiong come to report?"

Hua Xiong reporting?

Niu Fu blinked in confusion. He hadn't heard that Hua Xiong was supposed to report; hadn't that fellow gone to Bingzhou with the nephew-in-law?

Niu Fu thought for a moment, found the scroll marked "Grandfather-in-law" from the bamboo tube, and held it up with both hands.

Dong Zhuo had no hands free to take it, so he gave Niu Fu a sidelong glance and said unhappily, "Open it. Read."

"Grandfather-in-law, I hope this letter finds you well. Your grandson-in-law is not skilled at cavalry command, and the journey north to Bingzhou is extremely dangerous. For the safety of Si'er's father, I have borrowed Hua Xiong for a few more days. If you do not approve, send a letter to Jinyang, and I shall return him at once. Your grandson-in-law, Chen Cong, bows."

Niu Fu realized something was wrong as soon as he finished reading.

If Hua Xiong were still a prisoner, why would he use the word "borrow"?

"Father-in-law, could it be..."

"Hmph! That treacherous scoundrel."

Niu Fu waited for a long time but heard no more. The small courtyard remained quiet, save for the "shushing" sound of the sword carving the wood.

So...

Niu Fu understood.

Since his father-in-law could "borrow" Hua Xiong to Chen Cong, it really wasn't a big deal if he "borrowed" five hundred more Flying Bear soldiers...