The Marquis Is Innocent

Yanzhou.

This month, an old enemy, Zhou Qun, came twice. The first time, Zhou Qun attacked alone. The second time, he came with his allied troops. The large army attacked Yanzhou twice. Qiao Ping led Qiao Ci and a group of generals to fight against them. On the first encounter, his army defeated Zhou Qun. Yanzhou soldiers and people had just breathed a sigh of relief, and Zhou Qun had reorganized his troops to attack again.

This time, Zhou Qun was more powerful and attacked Yanzhou’s gateway, Juye, with the intention of destroying Yanzhou. At that time, Qiao Yue was terrified and thought that Yanzhou would never be able to repel the attackers like last time. He and his advisor, Zhang Pu, suggested they should go along with the situation and submit to Xing Xun in exchange for peace.

Xing Xun reigned as emperor last year and established the Jiang Kingdom. The imperial edict had reached the world’s nine states and ordered the various vassals. But only a few of them responded. Some were afraid of the power of obscenity, some still examined the situation, and others had other plans. Therefore, no one pulled the flag to speak out against it. However, no one was willing to openly respond to the imperial decree, lest they take on the reputation of being a rebel. Yanzhou also has the same response. But the situation developed dramatically and reached this point. Qiao Yue finally couldn’t bear the pressure and made this decision. Naturally, there was strong opposition from Qiao Ping.

In Yanzhou, Qiao Ping was now more powerful than ever, and the generals listened to his orders. Qiao Yue couldn’t argue with him. Qiao Ping told him he was acquainted with the green-eyed general of Lingbi, who was willing to lead his troops to help him in the war. Qiao Yue felt doubtful but could only reluctantly give up.

After several chaotic battles, they defeated Zhou Qun yesterday. Zhou Qun himself died in the chaotic war. In the short term, Xing Xun will not be able to launch another attack on Yanzhou. The people of Yanzhou are very proud of themselves. When it comes to merit, the priority goes to General Green Eyes.

Yanzhou’s long-time enemy, Zhou Qun, died because the Green Eyes General intercepted him. If it were not for his help, they wouldn’t win this battle brilliantly. Yanzhou’s people are all talking about the name of General Green Eyes and are looking forward to meeting him.

……

On this day, Qiao Ping and his son returned from Juye and rode into the city, where people welcomed them. But the people were disappointed as they did not see the green-eyed general accompanying them.

Qiao Yue led people to greet Qiao Ping in front of his residence in triumph. His face carried a smile. But the smile looked somewhat forced. When Qiao Yue received Qiao Ping into his house, he asked: “Why the green-eyed general didn’t come into the city with you today? I’ve heard of him before. He started as a stranger, and his origins are a bit humble, but as the saying goes, heroes don’t ask where they come from, so I should thank him personally for his help.”

Qiao Ping invited Qiao Yue into the study, dismissed his friends and family, and said, “I want to talk to my brother about this. Honestly, General Green Eyes is not an outsider. Brother also knows him.”

Qiao Yue did not understand: “Who is he?”

“Bi Zhi.”

Qiao Yue failed to respond and looked puzzled: “Who is Bi Zhi?” He paused for a moment and then remembered. His eyes suddenly opened round, showing an unbelievable look: “You mean, the horse slave who lured my daughter away from home?”

Qiao Ping nodded his head: “Exactly.”

Qiao Yue froze.

“Bi Zhi is outside the city gate at this moment. He wants to see Brother and apologize for his sins.”

Seeing Qiao Yue’s silence, Qiao Ping advised, “Brother said just now, we don’t ask the hero where he comes from. They were married without their parent’s permission, which is improper. But he and my niece love each other, and there was no choice at that time. I am delighted that my niece has given birth to a son, a grandson for you. I hope you will accept him and let go of your past grudges. It will be a blessing for our family and Yanzhou.”

“How many times has he helped Yanzhou?”

“When Xue Tai attacked Yanzhou, the battle at Juye. Ci’er was in danger, and he came to the rescue in time. Ci’er was lucky to escape a disaster. At that time, I did not know that my benefactor was Bi Zhi. When I found out later, it was inconvenient to tell you, so I did not report to you in time. I hope you will not blame me.”

Qiao Yue felt distracted for a while. This sudden news made him at a loss for words. The man he had been thinking about, the horse slave he wanted to catch and kill, had now returned to him as a benefactor of Yanzhou. In terms of reason, he knew that Qiao Ping had a point. In a time of turmoil, it is better to have more assistance. Besides, with his strength today, he is indeed worth pulling in. But for him to accept such a person who was his slave as his son-in-law, he felt incomparably aggrieved.

Seeing that Qiao Ping seemed to want to advise him, he shook his hand in annoyance: “You must be tired. Get some rest first. Let me think about this matter again.”

Qiao Ping knew this news was a big shock to Qiao Yue, so he didn’t insist and excused himself.

Once Qiao Ping left, Qiao Yue immediately summoned Zhang Pu and told him what he had just heard. He frowned and said: “What do you think I should do? This Bi Zhi, should I recognize him or not?”

Zhang Pu was also surprised, sighing a few times, pondered, and said: “I wonder if you allow me to say something?”

“Just say it!”

Zhang Pu opened the door and looked around. After confirming no one was around, he closed the door, then turned back and whispered: “In my opinion, this Bi Zhi, you should not let him enter Yanzhou!

“What do you mean?”

“You are Yanzhou’s leader and have a high status. But in the past two years, when one talks about Yanzhou, one only knows the name of Qiao Ping, the Magistrate of East County. Who mentioned your name? The people of Yanzhou, in seven or eight out of ten cases, will think of the Magistrate first when they encounter something. I am worried about you, Lord, who is kind and generous, values brotherhood, and does not care about worldly fame. If things continue like this, My Lord can’t keep your position!”

Qiao Yue’s face was odd, silent.