Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The next day, Ah He and I were led by a clan elder to report to the clan school.

The Yin Clan School was called Mingli Study, with a library standing behind it.

Most of the students in the classroom were boys. The only female student sat on the right side of the front row, studying us with an appraising look.

The clan elder said coolly, “The clan school has its own rules. Here, only talent and progress matter. Do not think yourselves still the pampered young ladies of Xianyang.”

I froze, but not because of the clan elder’s blunt words.

Rather, the scene before me made me suddenly understand something.

Ah He and I were merely the open line shown to the outside world.

The one truly burdened with expectations had, from the very beginning, been raised here in Qishan’s Mingli Study.

Because Ah He and I had no past examination records, we were seated in the last row according to custom.

Master Du, who was teaching the class, posed a question: Luo Xiang holds the Three Northern Prefectures, commands tens of thousands of elite cavalry, and last year annexed the Hexi Horse Ranch. His momentum is now at its height.

If you were the provincial governor, with provisions enough to sustain your troops for only three months, and Marquis Luo had stationed his army beyond your border, demanding the right of passage, what would you do?

A thick-browed youth in the front row was the first to stand. “We should refuse him sternly, seal the city gates, and send an urgent report to the imperial court requesting reinforcements!”

Another shook his head. “When would the court’s reinforcements arrive? If Luo Xiang flies into a rage and storms the city by force, countless lives will be lost, and it will be the common people who suffer. Better to feign compliance and stall for time.”

The room erupted into debate. Some advocated war; others favored delay.

At that moment, the girl seated on the right side of the first row spoke.

“We may allow a portion of his entourage to pass first, while sending our own officers to guide them-in truth, to monitor them. At the same time, we dispatch riders at full speed to inform the Son of Heaven and request aid.”

“In secret, we evacuate the people along the border, store water within the city, and make preparations as if for a siege to the death. Seeing this, Luo Xiang may turn his attention elsewhere.”

Master Du stroked his beard and slowly swept his gaze over the room. “Not bad. Does anyone else have insight to offer?”

I lifted my eyes and spoke amid the murmuring discussion. “If I were the provincial governor, I would allow him to borrow the road.”

Several people in the front row immediately turned back, contempt on their faces.

I continued, “But the passage would not be free. Luo Xiang must exchange three hundred fine horses from Hexi. Once we have inspected and accepted them, we will choose a designated pass and grant him ten days to cross. If he exceeds the time limit, we close the pass and expel him.”

Master Du looked at me. “Why three hundred horses?”

“Three hundred is no small number, yet it is not enough to cripple him. If he agrees, then for our side, obtaining these fine horses would allow us to quickly establish a light cavalry unit, giving us more confidence in future dealings.”

“If he refuses, then we will have even more grounds to speak. If he is unwilling to part with even three hundred horses, it proves he has no sincerity at all. At that point, when we seal our gates, our cause will be just, and our position even firmer.”

The girl who had spoken earlier could not help asking, “What if he only pretends to agree, gains the road, then turns on us afterward and attacks the city?”

I looked at her. “That is why it must be a designated pass. We choose a place that is easy for us to defend and difficult for him to attack, then station heavy troops there. If he truly intends to make a move, the terrain will favor us. At worst, both sides will suffer losses, but he will have no chance of victory.”

Master Du stroked his beard and nodded slightly. “You are called… Yin Fei?”

I bowed. “This student is Yin Fei. Greetings, Master.”

Master Du pointed to an empty seat in the first row. “From now on, you will sit here.”

I looked at the vacant place in front, then shook my head and politely declined.

“To receive Master’s approval is this student’s good fortune. However, the clan school has its rules: at the end of each month, seats are chosen according to the comprehensive evaluation results. I wish to rely on my own learning and take the seat I deserve.”

Master Du did not insist. Instead, appreciation appeared in his eyes.

“Good. Then we shall do as you say.”