Chapter Five: Di Chao, the War God of Great Xia

“Of course it’s true!”

Facing Mrs. Wu’s doubts, Qin Song spoke with utmost confidence, “My son has thought of someone. He’s right now in Yuezhou!”

“As long as I take this piece of woolen cloth to plead with him, he will surely be willing to intercede for the Qin family before the Emperor!”

“If the Emperor grants us a few more months, once the Qin family’s workshop resumes production, the silk tribute promised to the royal court this year will definitely be delivered on time!”

Though Qin Song felt no real assurance inside, he still made a firm promise in front of Mrs. Wu.

“Who is this person?”

“The Summer Dynasty’s God of War, General Di Chao!”

Seeing his mother ask, Qin Song straightforwardly replied, “General Di is recuperating in Yuezhou right now.”

“General Di is stationed for long terms at the northwestern frontier, where the weather is extremely harsh. If our Qin family provides him tens of thousands of sets of woolen clothes made from this wool fabric for free, he would definitely be willing to plead our case before the Emperor!”

“If things really come to the worst, the Qin family will hand over the woolen clothing technology itself to the Emperor!”

This was the only person Qin Song could think of who might have the influence to speak before the Emperor and plead on behalf of the Qin family.

Naturally, Mrs. Wu, who had heard of General Di’s status and fame, was extremely excited upon hearing this.

But after a moment’s thought, she quickly regained her composure and asked Qin Song, “Song’er, how did you come to know about this technology?”

Qin Song was momentarily taken aback, then explained, “I don’t know how, but after I was knocked unconscious that day, when I woke up, my mind was filled with new knowledge!”

“Blessings from the Qin family’s ancestors!”

Somewhat superstitious, Mrs. Wu was naturally overjoyed upon hearing this.

“Song’er, from today onward, you are the new head of the Qin family!”

Previously, Mrs. Wu had said this in front of Lin You and the others mostly to help her son gain authority in others’ eyes.

But now, when she repeated it, it was undoubtedly a heartfelt declaration.

“Mother, rest assured!”

Qin Song smiled faintly, “As long as I’m here, the Qin family will never fall!”

“Mother believes in you!”

Then the four of them busied themselves together. Dividing the work, they didn’t stop until midnight, when they finally wove a piece of wool fabric about the size of a chest.

After sending the other three away to rest, Qin Song himself had no time to relax.

To be safe, besides this piece of wool fabric, Qin Song had to prepare other items to move the other party, hoping to earn sincere help to rescue the Qin family from disaster.

At dawn the next day, under Mrs. Wu’s countless admonitions, clutching the wool fabric and other items in his arms and holding gifts in his hand, Qin Song left the Qin residence and departed by carriage.

***

In a secluded courtyard corner of the city, a tall, bare-chested middle-aged man was practicing with a long spear.

This middle-aged man was none other than the famed Summer Dynasty War God, the top military figure Di Chao, an old general.

His bare torso was covered with scars, like writhing dragons.

The spear in his hand moved like a swimming dragon, tracing arcs in the air, the spear tip glinting coldly.

After an indeterminate time, Di Chao stopped, exhaling a heavy breath.

A closer look would reveal that his right ear was only half intact.

After finishing his morning training, Di Chao put the spear away and looked at the dazzling array of weapons before him.

Lost in thought, his eyes involuntarily glanced northwest, filled with a hint of melancholy and more so with resentment.

“General!”

At that moment, an elderly man with a limp entered the backyard.

Though his hair was white, his body remained robust and his steps steady.

“What is it?”

The middle-aged man’s voice was hoarse but commanding.

“The young master of the Qin family from Yuezhou, Qin Song, has come to visit!”

“Qin family, Qin Zhong’s nephew?”

“The family head of the Qin family left for the north a few days ago with the silk tribute for the royal court. He was ambushed by river bandits on the way and died unexpectedly. All the silk was destroyed!”

“The coffin of the Qin family head was just buried yesterday!”

“Moreover, the Qin family’s workshop and warehouse were struck by a sudden fire a few days ago!”

At the last piece of news, Di Chao’s previously calm expression turned both slightly smiling and chillingly cold. “Do not see him.”

“This...”

The old man hesitated immediately.

“Why?”

After a moment, the old man took a piece of cloth from his bosom and handed it to Di Chao.

“This is from the young master of the Qin family, a gift for the General from your humble servant.”

“Wool fabric?”

Di Chao took the cloth, touched it, then sniffed it near his ear. Indeed, a faint familiar odor was present.

The northwest weather of the Summer Dynasty was notoriously harsh, especially winter, with temperatures plunging dozens of degrees below zero.

Many soldiers stationed there each year succumbed to freezing or frostbite.

Di Chao’s right ear had been frostbitten and had to be amputated in his youth due to inadequate protection.

***

Having commanded troops in the northwest for years, Di Chao was well familiar with wool fabric and had seen local herdsmen weaving cloth from wool.

Though the locals’ wool fabric was very warm, it was slow to produce, rough in texture due to technical limitations, and prone to shedding.

But this wool fabric in his hand felt much smoother, and when tugged, only a few fibers came loose.

“Interesting!”

Caressing the fabric, Di Chao smiled faintly. “Let him come in then!”

“Here!”

Hearing this, the old man bowed slightly and left.

Soon after, he led Qin Song before Di Chao.

“Humble commoner Qin Song pays respects to the National General!”

Qin Song bowed hurriedly upon seeing Di Chao.

“Your steps falter, your speech weak — worthless!”

Sitting at the table, Di Chao rubbed the wool fabric coldly, his gaze icy.

He immediately saw that the young Qin Song’s body was ravaged by drink and women.

Understanding the implication, Qin Song lowered his head, gritting his teeth, silently vowing to strengthen his body.

“Speak. What do you want from me?”

Di Chao had been dismissed from his position as National General a year ago and had come to Yuezhou.

At first, many visitors came to see him, but gradually fewer arrived. Qin Song was the first visitor this month.

“Humble commoner has come boldly to offer General Di a gift!”

“You mean this?”

“That’s right!”

Qin Song glanced at the wool fabric in Di Chao’s hand.

“A piece of wool fabric and you expect me to plead your case before His Majesty? Is my face worth so little?”

A seasoned military man, Di Chao exposed Qin Song’s true intention outright.