Chapter 87: Erasing the Victory

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Shi Kefa stared blankly at Hong Chengchou, realizing he had already made up his mind.

“Sir, I wish to know how Li Yi is doing,” he said.

With matters having come to this point, Shi Kefa had given up on persuading Hong Chengchou. Now, all he wanted was to know Li Yi’s condition—whether he had received his letter and led his troops to withdraw from Suijin Town.

As for holding Suijin Town, Shi Kefa no longer entertained any hope. Without military supplies, reinforcements, and relying only on a ragtag group, how could they possibly withstand the elite Tatar cavalry?

He just hoped that Li Yi had seen the letter and could retreat in time to avoid total annihilation.

But the moment he saw Hong Chengchou’s face darken, Shi Kefa’s sharp mind immediately sensed that something had gone wrong.

Sure enough, Hong Chengchou didn’t answer. He looked at Shi Kefa with suspicion and said coldly, “A mere Li Yi wields no real influence. Xianzhi, if you no longer wish to assist me, then return to the capital.”

With that, he turned and left without looking back.

Shi Kefa watched Hong Chengchou’s retreating figure and sighed deeply.

Meanwhile, Li Yi had dismissed the garrison soldiers and militia surrounding the camp and returned to Mizhi County with Captain Yang and Advisor Zheng.

Along the way, the soldiers kept their heads lowered, avoiding Li Yi’s gaze—the man who had saved their lives.

When they were being pursued by the Tatar cavalry, it was Li Yi who had bravely intervened, holding off the enemy and buying them time to retreat to Suijin Town.

Last night, he had strategized and led from the front to defeat the Tatar cavalry.

Yet now, they were forced to turn their weapons against such a hero, and they felt ashamed to face anyone.

Li Yi, however, was indifferent.

The situation was beyond control. His actions were simply to defend the land and protect the people.

As long as they repelled the Tatars and prevented them from ravaging Mizhi County, his purpose was fulfilled.

Not to mention that he had saved over a thousand civilians—everything had been worth it.

Arriving at Mizhi County, the garrison soldiers and local militia were still standing guard on the city walls.

It seemed the news of Suijin Town’s victory over the Tatars had not spread.

Li Yi sneered, knowing well that the government had deliberately suppressed the news.

The group entered the county office, and Li Yi was immediately taken to the main hall for interrogation.

Liu Zhongzhou and Yan Zibin presided over the session, though the central high seat remained empty—obviously Hong Chengchou’s position.

Liu Zhongzhou eyed Li Yi with a commanding presence and frowned as the latter entered with a proud bearing.

“Advisor Zheng, why was this criminal not brought in shackles or a cangue?” Liu asked sharply.

Advisor Zheng hurriedly replied, “Reporting to the presiding officer: this scoundrel was arrogant and violent, assaulting soldiers and inciting others to block the garrison troops. We had no choice but to bring him without restraints.”

Liu snorted coldly, deliberately humiliating Li Yi: “Such audacity and recklessness! Now that he’s in government custody, he must not be allowed to act so brazenly. Guards, put a cangue on him immediately.”

His voice echoed through the hall, yet the soldiers all bowed their heads and stood silently—no one stepped forward.

Liu Zhongzhou’s anger boiled over, and he snarled, “Are you deaf?”

The soldiers kept their heads down, ignoring his orders.

They had already done their utmost by capturing Li Yi.

To assist in humiliating such a hero felt beneath them.

“Where is the camp commander?” Liu shouted, nearly bursting with rage.

Captain Yang had no choice but to step forward and bow, saying, “This humble servant is here.”

Liu pointed at Li Yi and demanded, “I order you to immediately place him in shackles. Do you dare to disobey?”

Yang glanced at Li Yi, then hesitated, finally removing his iron helmet and kneeling: “I am willing to resign as captain. Please appoint someone else.”

Everyone—Liu Zhongzhou, Yan Zibin, clerks, and constables—gasped in shock.

They couldn’t comprehend how terrifying Li Yi must be to compel a seventh-rank military officer to resign rather than imprison him.

Yang’s move left Liu Zhongzhou exposed and humiliated.

His face darkened with shame as he glanced at the county clerks.

Instantly, all the clerks lowered their heads as if a beauty lay on the ground, their attention intense and absorbed.

Yan Zibin found the scene familiar and smirked.

When it came to Li Yi, not even the presiding officer could command these men.

This realization brought him some comfort.

Liu Zhongzhou’s face turned ashen, but without support, he was powerless.

He could not, after all, as a dignified inspector, personally lock Li Yi in chains.

Looking at Li Yi’s proud and strong posture, Liu shrank back.

He dared not take such a risk.

Striking the judge’s gavel, Liu Zhongzhou demanded sternly, “Li Yi, soldiers report that you have privately divided spoils of war. Is this true?”

Li Yi raised his head and, facing the imposing scene, sneered: “Before the battle, Shi Kefa reported to the Supply Commissioner and the county office to distribute rewards to the participating soldiers, which they agreed to.”

“Whether and how the rewards were issued is not my concern. I ask only if you privately divided the spoils?” Liu discarded the explanation, seeking to force a confession.

“So what if I did?”

The cold reply stunned Liu Zhongzhou.

He expected denial and excuses but not such a direct admission.

This was too easy.

Liu Zhongzhou stared at Li Yi fiercely: “Good, you admit it. Private division of spoils is a grave crime. Do you know I have the authority to investigate and punish corruption?”

Li Yi looked at Liu Zhongzhou calmly and said, “As I said, if the Supply Commissioner and county office had not reneged on their promise to distribute rewards, I would not have done so.”

“You’re a mere minor officer. What concern is the reward money to you? Your incessant talk of distribution makes me think you’re greedy, profiting for yourself,” Liu Zhongzhou accused.

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Liu Zhongzhou twisted Li Yi’s private distribution of spoils into embezzlement.

Li Yi naturally denied this, sneering: “The distribution of spoils was all recorded and signed for. I have not taken a single cent. If you doubt me, you can check the records in Suijin Town.”

“I don’t need to check. You’re a lowly commoner who lucked into an inspection post. Instead of serving the court, you seek personal gain and behave arrogantly. Your corruption is expected,” Liu declared.

“If you refuse to investigate and jump to conclusions, such recklessness is truly astonishing,” Li Yi mocked.

“How dare you disrespect me!” Liu Zhongzhou’s anger surged, teeth clenched.

“I carry the imperial mandate; even a minor inspector like you can be dismissed and imprisoned at my order. Li Yi, I will report to the court immediately—you can prepare to be beheaded publicly.”

Li Yi coldly retorted, “I hope you get your wish and don’t end up empty-handed.”

Li’s sharp words further enraged Liu, who was desperate to report and execute him.

“Presiding officer, please calm yourself,” a civil official in crimson robes entered, causing Liu and Yan to rise.

Hong Chengchou glanced at Li Yi standing below, then took the chief seat.

“Presiding officer, whether Li Yi privately divided spoils cannot rely on his word alone. My own troops report no such spoils,” Hong said coldly.

Liu was momentarily stunned.

Hong stared coldly at Li Yi: “No victory, no spoils. Inspector Li, is that not so?”

Li Yi met Hong’s gaze equally cold.

His strategy had been fully seen through.

At that moment, Liu realized something.

To accuse Li Yi of private spoils would mean admitting a victory at Suijin Town.

If Suijin Town had won, why then did the Tatars march south and burn the granaries outside Mizhi County?

Angrily, Liu felt himself used by Li Yi.

His face darkened with shame and his hatred deepened.

Hong Chengchou shot Liu a glance, disappointed at the inspector’s foolishness.

He had preferred not to appear in person, but seeing Liu dragged down, he had to intervene.

“Li Yi, if you are proven guilty of private spoils, do you know the outcome you face?” Hong demanded in a low voice.

Li Yi smiled faintly at Hong’s calm face: “If it were only private spoils, then dismissal and punishment would follow. But judging by your methods, presiding officer, it seems you want me eliminated.”

Liu angrily rose to scold Li Yi.

Hong raised a hand to stop him, fixing Li Yi with a gaze: “Since you know it is a capital crime, why persist? Only with victory can there be spoils. Without victory, no spoils exist. How then can there be private spoils?”

Li Yi said nothing.

Hong stood and motioned the soldiers to withdraw.

“Li Yi, I have learned the situation at Suijin Town. You led a group of broken and ragtag soldiers to resist the elite Tatar assault, showing considerable talent. I will give you one more chance: enter the camp as a captain. In two years, you may become a guerrilla general; in five, commander of the border garrison.”

“This clear path is sought by many but given to few. Now it lies before you. Those who understand the times are heroes. To succeed, one must adapt. Do you understand?”

Li Yi stared at Hong and questioned, “Last night, four hundred men died at Suijin Town. The survivors are nearly all wounded, and yet they defeated the Tatar cavalry. Sir, do you intend to dismiss such a costly victory so lightly?”

“Defending the land and protecting the people is their duty,” Hong said calmly.

“So, were their deaths in vain?”

Li Yi’s voice echoed through the hall.

The soldiers around clenched their fists.

They had fought last night, blood and fire clashing, each shouting for battle. Even now, they could still hear the screams and pleas for help, recalling comrades falling one after another.

Whether garrison soldiers, militia, or themselves, they had guarded Mizhi County like the Great Wall and emerged victorious.

This was a true victory, their honor and the soul of a soldier.

Yet they were being used by high officials to erase this triumph and target Li Yi for speaking out.

Hong sensed the soldiers’ unrest.

Though he cared little for these lowly men, he could not ignore the consequences.

“Li Yi, this is your final chance,” Hong issued his last ultimatum.

Li Yi surveyed the assembly and resolutely said, “I admit to privately distributing the spoils.”

Hong closed his eyes irritably.

He stood for a moment, then quietly said, “Take him away.”

Captain Yang dared not disobey and led Li Yi away.

Naturally, Li Yi was taken to the county jail.

At the prison gate, Ai Wanhua, dressed in splendid robes and wearing a triumphant expression, appeared.

Ai smirked at Li Yi, “Li Yi, you always fancied yourself exceptional and opposed the Ai family. Do you now understand the futility of an ant shaking a tree?”

Ai approached Li Yi, loudly mocking him.

He had waited here to witness Li Yi’s arrest and savor his downfall.

Li Yi remained composed, as if not seeing him, and prepared to leave.

This enraged Ai Wanhua, who blocked his path with a vicious glare.

“Li Yi, I’ll be frank: Hong Chengchou has become a distinguished guest of the Ai family. Now, no one in Mizhi County can back you. You know how many methods await you now you’re in trouble?”

“If you’re wise, kneel before me, and I’ll grant you a quick end. Otherwise, you’ll suffer endless torment, unable to live or die.”

Ai laughed maliciously.

Li Yi coldly retorted, “Ai Wanhua, standing before me, aren’t you afraid I might end your worthless life with a single gesture?”

Only then did Ai notice Li Yi was not shackled, and recalling his martial skill, he hurriedly retreated behind his retainers.

This pitiful retreat drew sneers from the onlookers.

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Substance outweighs appearance.

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