The man carried down from the carriage was an elder with crippled legs. His face was pale as he looked sorrowfully at Wen Yang.
"Set me down for now."
The young man hurriedly spread a mat on the ground and set the elder down.
The elder then made a gesture of salute toward Wen Yang.
"Greetings, General. I am infirm and cannot rise to pay my respects. Please forgive me!"
Mu Yan spoke as he tremblingly saluted.
Wen Yang frowned and looked at Duan Qizhen beside him.
Duan Qizhen's expression grew somewhat unnatural at the sight of the old man. They were old friends who had once fought together in the campaign against Goguryeo.
But ever since Mu Yan had fallen, relations between their two tribes had grown increasingly hostile.
Still, seeing his old friend in this state, Duan Qizhen could not quite bear it.
He said, "General, this is the former chieftain of the Murong Tribe, Murong Muyan. He rendered great service in the campaign against Goguryeo and won the favor of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, who submitted a memorial requesting recognition for his achievements. During the earlier upheaval in Hebei, he led his troops there to suppress the rebellion, but suffered severe injuries himself, leaving him as you see him now."
"Since then, his son Shegui has governed the tribe."
Hearing this, Wen Yang slowly put away his spear.
He jumped down from his horse, then looked unhappily at Shegui nearby.
"The only reason you're still alive is your father!"
Shegui was so frightened that he dared not speak. He merely stared at Wen Yang in terror.
Wen Yang looked at Mu Yan and said, "There is no need for such formalities, elder... I will not humiliate a loyal man who served the state. But this