Chapter 95: To You, I Give My Life Part 3

Gu Huaiyu gave him a brief glance before turning to Han Ding. “How much wine is stored in the city?”

Han Ding was clearly well-prepared. Without hesitation, he replied, “Roughly tens of thousands of jars. Knowing the army would be stationed here, I had them requisitioned from various regions in advance.”

“Distribute all of it.”

Gu Huaiyu’s gaze swept over the delicacies on the table and then toward the dark mass of soldiers below. “One cup for every man. Consider it a treat from this Chancellor.”

They couldn’t very well sit atop the wall feasting while a million soldiers stood below with dry throats.

Han Ding blinked in surprise, then immediately summoned a messenger.

The news spread like a tidal wave, and a thunderous, earth-shaking cheer erupted from below.

Listening to the roar of the crowd, Gu Huaiyu smiled faintly. He spoke at a leisurely pace. “Governor Han, I have one major matter left undecided today. I would like to hear your thoughts.”

Han Ding immediately clasped his hands respectfully. “Please speak, My Lord.”

Gu Huaiyu’s gaze drifted over the crowd. “The position of Grand Marshal has remained vacant. Who does the Governor believe is most suitable for this role?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the lively atmosphere on the wall froze. Everyone held their breath, their ears straining to catch the answer.

Han Ding, a man of simple integrity, pondered for a moment. “The Chancellor is wise. In this official’s humble opinion, the Grand Marshal must be someone of great prestige and virtue. General Liu has governed troops for decades and is steady and experienced. General Wang has also spent many years on the battlefield and holds significant influence. I believe these veteran generals are all capable of taking on this heavy responsibility.”

Gu Huaiyu gave a non-committal hum. He neither denied nor agreed.

Han Ding was bewildered. Was his answer not appropriate?

Gu Huaiyu turned to the man beside him. “What does Master Shen think?”

Shen Jun was the best at reading Gu Huaiyu’s mind. It was clear the Chancellor was dissatisfied with the candidates Han Ding had proposed.

After a moment’s thought, Shen Jun replied warmly, “I believe the Grand Marshal does not necessarily have to be a martial officer. Several elder statesmen by Your Lordship’s side could also temporarily hold the seal.”

Gu Huaiyu shook his head, slowly beginning his performance. “I find none of these people suitable.”

This confused everyone. He didn’t want Han Ding’s generals, nor did he want the civil officials by his side. Who exactly did the Chancellor have in mind?

Gu Huaiyu naturally had his reasons. He had met everyone Han Ding mentioned and knew exactly what they were capable of.

“General Liu is good at discipline but lacks strategy. General Wang is old and frail; he cannot withstand the hardships of a grand campaign. As for the civil officials around me, they lack the ability to lead on the front lines. For this war, none of them are the best choice.”

Shen Jun’s heart gave a sudden jolt. He had guessed Gu Huaiyu’s intent.

Gu Huaiyu walked to the edge of the battlements, his black cloak fluttering. He looked down at the dark mass of people below and decided to speak plainly. “I have chosen—Pei Du.”

The entire assembly fell into an uproar.

The officers were speechless with shock. A twenty-six-year-old Grand Marshal? It was unheard of in all of history!

Pei Jingyi sat with his arms crossed, a slow, unstoppable smirk spreading across his face. He let out a low chuckle.

Gu Huaiyu, oh Gu Huaiyu… you really are going to be the death of me.

Han Ding had no personal grudge against Pei Jingyi; he had watched the boy grow up. But his position compelled him to speak. “My Lord, I crave your pardon for speaking bluntly. Although Commander Pei is the bravest in the three armies, he is only twenty-six. His seniority is far too shallow…”

“I am aware.”

Gu Huaiyu turned back to look at him, his smile poised and unhurried. “I am a year younger than Pei Du, and yet am I not the one presiding over the imperial court?”

This left Han Ding with no rebuttal. Indeed, Gu Huaiyu was younger than any Chancellor in history, yet his political achievements had stunned the world. He was the most powerful official since the founding of Great Chen.

Since ancient times, heroes had always emerged from the youth.

Gu Huaiyu’s mind was set, and no one could sway him. He lifted his wide sleeve. “Pei Du.”

Pei Jingyi stood up abruptly. He walked to Gu Huaiyu in a few strides, flipped his robes, and knelt. He looked up, his gaze burning like a wildfire.

Attendants had already brought out a tray. Upon it lay the Tiger Tally that commanded the three armies and the sword that represented the status of the Grand Marshal.

“Take the sword.”

Gu Huaiyu grasped the hilt with one hand and held it out steadily to Pei Jingyi. When he leaned down, his voice was so soft only the two of them could hear. “I am entrusting my army and—”

He didn’t say the final word, but Pei Jingyi understood perfectly.

The Chancellor was handing over his heart along with his army.

“I—” Pei Jingyi took the sword with both hands, his voice turning hoarse. “I will not fail Your Lordship’s great trust.”

What man could withstand such trust and devotion?

He wanted nothing more than to march into the jaws of death for him right then and there.