Once he fastened his belt, He Chunhua straightened his robes and immediately looked vigorous and full of energy again. “Once matters here are settled, we’ll set out for Heishui City.”

He looked radiant, every bit the imposing general. All trace of the previous night’s dishevelment and despair had long since vanished.

“Yes,” Zhao Qinghe replied. Yet inwardly, he could not help but wonder just how many thoughts and burdens this great general kept hidden in his heart.

The sound of weeping from the commander’s tent the previous night had already spread through the camp. Once word got around that their commander had cried his heart out on the day of his family memorial rites, those who knew the story began telling others about the old tragedy in which the He Family had nearly been exterminated.

The soldiers who heard it could only sigh with emotion.

General He’s entire family had suffered a terrible injustice. Anyone else might have grown bitter and disillusioned long ago, yet General He...