Chapter 83: Shen Shilang, You Ungrateful Scoundrel!

“Because Jianlang still has the Northwestern Army behind him,” Shen Shiliang explained clearly, “and when the time comes…”

He left the rest unsaid, but the implication was clear: “When the time comes, Jianlang will be free to soar, like a dragon to the sea or a tiger unleashed from the mountains.”

Wei Jianlang took a deep breath and looked at Wei Zhaoxian. “Father, what do you think?”

To Wei Zhaoxian, laying down arms now felt premature. There were still ambitions unfulfilled, enemies yet to be defeated. However, the fate of the Shen family lingered vividly in his memory, a constant reminder: when facing the powers in the capital, never be too brazen. When it’s time to retreat, seize the chance and step down gracefully.

Wei Zhaoxian inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. His bloodshot eyes betrayed both exhaustion and the weight of the decision before him.

“Very well, we’ll follow your advice. I’ll resign and lay down my armor,” Wei Zhaoxian said, his voice hoarse, eyes reddened.

Shen Shilang heaved a great sigh of relief. He had truly feared Wei Zhaoxian might stubbornly resist until the bitter end. He couldn’t afford to lose anyone else.

“Now… I have a plan that requires both your and Jianlang’s cooperation,” Shen Shilang said.

An hour and a half later, the entire camp heard Wei Jianlang’s enraged roar from his tent: “Shen Shilang! You ungrateful scoundrel!”

From within, Shen Shilang’s weak voice responded: “Cough… cough… The General took me in, allowed me to study under his roof. I became a successful scholar thanks to him. That’s why I risked my life for him yesterday.”

“Now, haven’t I repaid the General’s kindness in full?” Shen Shilang’s tone, though feeble, carried a hint of sarcasm. “So where does this accusation of ingratitude come from?”

“You!” Wei Jianlang, seemingly at a loss for words, shouted angrily.

“Young General, I would never dare accept the title of ingrate,” Shen Shilang continued, his voice growing weaker yet determined. “When I was in the Wei household, I endured countless beatings from your second brother, nearly losing my life, but I never uttered a word of complaint, lest I be seen as ungrateful.”

“When Madam Wei almost forced me into a merchant’s marriage, I dared not protest. My only option was to leave quietly, or risk being branded ungrateful.”

Those outside listened in astonishment. Despite his weak and injured state, Shen Shilang spoke with remarkable clarity!

“Of course, it was thanks to General Wei’s intervention that the marriage didn’t go through,” Shen Shilang coughed again before continuing. “I remember that debt well. But now, after nearly losing my life, I believe my remaining half-life should suffice to repay those favors.”

Just then, Wei Jianming arrived at the tent, overhearing Shen Shilang’s words. Though still injured from his recent punishment, he had dragged himself from bed to check on Shen Shilang, who had saved both his father and him. Whatever old grudges they held, he had decided to let go. Yet what he heard as he approached made his blood boil.

“Shen Shilang!” Wei Jianming limped inside, his face twisted in pain and anger. “What do you mean by all this?”

“Nothing much. Just that my debt to the Wei family has been repaid, and I hope that from now on, no one from the Wei family will ever bring it up again,” Shen Shilang responded coldly.

Those listening outside were confused.

Hadn’t things been fine just moments ago?

Why the sudden fallout?

Then Shen Shilang’s voice rang out again: “General Wei made a grave mistake this time. To save his son, he disregarded the lives of many soldiers. They deserve to die on the battlefield, not because of a disobedient, reckless son.”

Wei Jianming’s eyes flared red with anger. “Shen Shilang, don’t go too far!”

Ignoring him, Shen Shilang continued coldly, “General Wei failed in his duty, and I must report it to His Majesty.”

Cupping his hands in a formal salute, Shen Shilang declared, “I will petition His Majesty to strip General Wei of his rank.”

The crowd outside was stunned.

Even Quan Guanran and Sheng Jinchao, who had just arrived, froze in disbelief at Shen Shilang’s words.

“General?” Sheng Jinchao turned to Quan Guanran.

“Let’s return,” Quan Guanran said, already striding away toward his tent.

Once inside and with everyone else dismissed, Sheng Jinchao cautiously asked, “General, is Shen Shilang serious?”

“He risked his life to save Wei Zhaoxian yesterday, and now he’s requesting his removal? It negates his life-saving deed and turns the Wei family against him. What does he stand to gain?” Sheng Jinchao wondered aloud.

“His own future,” Quan Guanran said solemnly as if he had figured it out.

“But… by offending the Wei family like this, won’t he ruin his reputation? His standing at court is already shaky; now he’ll be seen as an ingrate!” Sheng Jinchao was puzzled.

“What does it matter if the world sees him as a villain? To His Majesty, he’ll be a capable minister,” Quan Guanran said coldly.

Sheng Jinchao suddenly understood. “Yes, his position as Censor was appointed by His Majesty. This move must be under imperial orders. The Emperor wants him to bring down Wei Zhaoxian.”

“We all wondered why His Majesty sent a newly appointed scholar to the frontier. It turns out Shen Shilang has succeeded in his mission,” Quan Guanran sneered.

“But why would Shen Shilang risk saving Wei Zhaoxian in the first place? Wouldn’t it have been easier to let him die?” Sheng Jinchao asked.

Quan Guanran glanced at him, shaking his head. “After all these years, you still don’t see it?”

“If they had left Wei Zhaoxian out there, surrounded by enemy forces, it would only have been a matter of time before he was captured. A general of his stature being taken by the enemy would have been disastrous for Great Xi, crushing our morale.”

“Even if he had chosen to take his own life to avoid capture, the enemy would have still paraded his body, further humiliating us,” Quan Guanran continued. “The best outcome was for Shen Shilang to bring him back alive.”

“By risking his life to save Wei Zhaoxian, Shen Shilang repaid the Wei family’s kindness. As he said, his debt is settled,” Quan Guanran’s lips curled slightly. “For scholars like him, reputation is everything. Even if Shen Shilang’s reputation is tarnished now, he has maintained just enough face to keep up appearances.”

…