Chapter Seventy-Six: The Main Camp at Banner Mountain

Shi Guangjun reached out with uncertainty and pressed down, only to be overwhelmed by a wave of excruciating pain that shot through his entire body, so intense he nearly collapsed to his knees. Never in his life had he experienced such agony; for someone of his privileged background, this was pain etched deep into his bones. The sweat on his forehead, once cold from fear, now poured down hot, mingling with the tears that sprang from his eyes under the torment.

Jiang Chen’s warning had proven entirely true—these were unmistakable signs of poisoning.

“Take me to the cabin. We need to change into clean clothes and rest for a while.”

Under Jiang Chen’s coercion, Shi Guangjun could only lead them to the cabin, and then ordered his men to bring a few sets of dry, well-fitting clothes.

“How long do you intend to stay on my ship?” he demanded.

Jiang Chen replied, “I was just about to tell you. The ship will be changing course—we’re heading to Banner Mountain.”

“Banner Mountain?” Shi Guangjun tensed instinctively. His father, Shi Wanli, had mentioned that place several times, and their family had never had any dealings or goodwill with the Banner Mountain faction. If he went there so abruptly, who knew what might happen? Especially now, with the uproar over Han Yuyang’s attempted assassination deeply intertwined with Banner Mountain, the prospect filled Shi Guangjun, a pampered official’s son with no real skill, with dread.

“My official ship was supposed to head straight to the capital. If I suddenly change course now, it’ll definitely raise suspicions,” Shi Guangjun tried to protest, but Jiang Chen had clearly anticipated such excuses.

“No matter. You’re a spoiled young lord—go wherever you please. If you went about everything according to plan, what kind of dissolute wastrel would you be?” Jiang Chen replied with a faint smile, making it clear there was no room for negotiation.

With his life held in Jiang Chen’s hands, Shi Guangjun had no choice but to obey. He promptly ordered the ship to alter course and head directly for Banner Mountain.

Night fell. Jiang Chen and Wu Yue, now dressed in clean clothes, dined on food and wine delivered to their cabin at regular intervals. This unexpected turn of events, in fact, spared them many troubles.

From the remarks of the boatmen above, they learned that the waterway to Banner Mountain had been sealed off since the previous night, with only official ships allowed to pass unhindered.

“I wonder how Qingshan and Brother Gu are doing?”

Wu Yue spoke anxiously.

“Don’t worry. They’re perfectly safe at the inn. Once we’ve found your father, we’ll return and reunite with everyone,” Jiang Chen assured her, pulling her into his arms. After the brush with death, she found comfort and security in him, and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

The official ship traveled for two days. By dawn on the third day, Jiang Chen stood alone at the prow and noticed that, at regular intervals along both banks, military tents and outposts appeared, set up at every strategic pass with meticulous order.

Yet the sight brought to mind only the former might of the Banner Mountain garrison—what remained now was desolation and decay. The tents and outposts were utterly deserted, abandoned for what seemed a very long time—a shocking state for such an important defensive line at the foot of Banner Mountain.

Jiang Chen pondered for a while. He knew that grave dangers lay ahead, and if he was to act freely, he must first find a way to ensure Wu Yue’s safety.

He went straight to the cabin and found Shi Guangjun, who had just woken up. At that moment, a servant arrived with a tray of fruit and pastries, and Jiang Chen’s eyes immediately fell on the lychees.

“Lychees? I didn’t expect to find these here,” he remarked.

The servant replied, “They were shipped fresh by water from the capital. Common folk could never dream of tasting such delicacies in their lifetime.”

Jiang Chen said offhandedly, “Take them to Miss Yue. From now on, anything good goes to her first.”

The servant glanced awkwardly at Shi Guangjun. “But lychees are precious, and these are all we have left on the ship.”

“Oh? And do you know who is now the most distinguished person aboard?” Jiang Chen asked.

Shi Guangjun immediately commanded, “Do as you’re told and take them over. Enough nonsense!”

On this official ship, Shi Guangjun was no longer the highest in rank—Wu Yue, under Jiang Chen’s careful protection, now held that place. Shi Guangjun’s insistence made it clear, laying the groundwork for what was to come.

“At noon, we’ll dock. You’ll all stay on the ship and wait for my return. Above all, ensure Miss Yue’s safety. And don’t forget—you’re still poisoned, and only I can cure you.”

“Understood?”

Shi Guangjun’s face was sullen. “What exactly are you here to do?” he demanded. “You’re not going to drag the Shi family into trouble, are you?”

Jiang Chen chuckled. “Your father is the esteemed Minister of Revenue of the Great Qian Dynasty. You really think he’s afraid of trouble?”

Shi Guangjun, already unsettled, felt his anxiety deepen. His journey south had accomplished nothing, and now he’d fallen into another’s hands. If his father learned of this, he would surely face severe consequences.

By noon, the ship reached the shore and Jiang Chen prepared to disembark.

He explained his plan to Wu Yue, who understood that following him would only impede his mission. She remained calm and sensible.

“Brother Chen, you and Father must both return safely. I’ll wait for you on the ship.”

“We will. I promise.”

With Wu Yue left aboard Shi Guangjun’s official ship—sure to be safe barring any unforeseen mishaps—the vessel would serve as their retreat. As soon as they found Old Wu, they would depart Banner Mountain at once.

After disembarking, Jiang Chen moved forward, following the line of abandoned outposts. Several groups were converging on this place, and he wondered what chaos would soon unfold.

Before long, he climbed halfway up the mountain. Gazing into the distance, he saw a gorge surrounded by three great peaks, dotted with orderly tents and, to the west, a grassland enclosed by wooden fences.

Within the enclosure, fine steeds galloped back and forth—the legendary Banner Mountain Stepping Goose breed, the pride of Banner Mountain cavalry, a breed found nowhere else but the Great Qian realm.

So this was the famed Banner Mountain encampment.

Jiang Chen gazed at the scene, and a surge of emotion flooded his chest. His past life as a soldier had been tumultuous—a legend in its own right. In this new world, Banner Mountain’s cavalry was the strongest force he had encountered, and in this moment he felt a fierce, heroic kinship with them.

“Hurry, just over this mountain and we’ll spot our prey!”

“But—it’s so high! Are you sure? Isn’t this against military regulations?”

Voices drifted up from behind. Jiang Chen immediately concealed himself; the newcomers were unaware of his presence.