Guo Guangbi, Xingzhou's commander, sat on the Command Platform, his features as sharply chiseled as if by knife and axe, utterly expressionless. Nothing before him gave him any cause for pleasure. Not only were the drilling formations disorderly, but the soldiers looked exhausted, their helmets crooked and armor askew. Even the war drums sounded feeble. How could men in such a state fight a war? Though disappointed, Guo Guangbi was not angry. He could not blame his men, only himself. With too little clothing and food, they could not even fill their bellies. What fighting strength could they possibly have?
Unable to watch his men's performance any longer, Guo Guangbi slowly rose and walked down from the Command Platform. Seeing his father leave so abruptly, Guo Shaoxiong thought something serious had happened and hurried after him. "Father," he said quietly.
Guo Guangbi raised a hand, signaling him not to follow.
The drill continued, but Guo Guangbi had already left the drill ground. Outside, one of his men brought over his yellow-dappled horse. He swung into the saddle, intending to ride out of the city for some fresh air, when he saw a warrior galloping toward him. The man dismounted before him and dropped to one knee. "Commander-in-Chief, Master Xie has returned."
At the news, Guo Guangbi's tightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed. He raised his whip and struck his horse's rump. With a neigh, the mount raced toward the Marshal's Residence.
After leaving Eastern Liang Commandery, Xie Jian had gone straight to the Yong Capital. Traveling from place to place beneath the stars and moon, sparing himself no hardship, he had grown noticeably darker and thinner. He was eating when Guo Guangbi returned. Hearing his footsteps, he hurriedly stood and bowed respectfully.
Guo Guangbi stepped forward and took his arm. "No