After waiting in silence for a while and seeing that everyone remained speechless, Edward Benson immediately picked up the bamboo slip and stood up. “Since no one has anything to say, Brother Yigong will watch over things here. I’ll go see my uncle to submit the roster and come back later… Charlie, come with me, I have something to tell you.”

Charlie was, of course, Charles Benson.

Upon hearing this, Charles Benson immediately stood up and followed his elder brother out, leaving only Thomas Harris to comfort the thirty or so soldiers and guests.

Outside, the cold wind was even harsher, and there was no moonlight at all. It seemed to be the perfect time for murder and arson. Edward Benson walked in front, Charles Benson behind, and only after they had passed the soldiers’ barracks did they lower their voices to speak.

“Charlie, do you still remember my instructions?” Edward Benson was the first to speak.

“I do,” Charles Benson replied with his head lowered. “First, calm our uncle (that is, our paternal uncle), make sure he doesn’t panic, and tell him that the current emperor has just come of age and still wants to make a name for himself on the frontier. If he can take over a hundred heads, as the main general of the fortress, he will surely be promoted to a high position with a thousand bushels of grain.”

“And if he still doesn’t dare?” Edward Benson pressed coldly.

“Then speak bluntly, say that everyone in the commandery and clan knows his rank was only obtained thanks to our aunt’s support, that he received a mother’s favor and passed it to his son, and that he risks being despised by all under heaven.”

“That’s right.” Edward Benson took a deep breath against the cold wind. “Our uncle was never raised to be a useful man. His own brother died of plague, and only then did the clan have no choice but to give him the quota for grace. He’s greedy for fame and profit, but the key is that he looks strong but is actually timid—his courage is too small… As long as you scare him a little, you can use his authority to issue orders directly. Do you remember the rest of my arrangements?”

“If the enemy camp catches fire, first send the cavalry out to sweep up, then, under the pretense of support and defense, transfer the garrisoned troops from Yunlou and Meilou to guard the city, and send two elite infantry companies out to provide support…”

“That’s the most important part.” Edward Benson nodded. “I’ve faced the Xianbei with the commandery troops many times, so I know some of their habits… Right now, there are not only Xianbei soldiers in their camp, but also captured Han people. If there’s no quick infantry support, and if there are Xianbei nobles who know military tactics, with their light cavalry and strong bows, a counterattack could really ruin everything!”

“Yes,” Charles Benson replied with his head lowered. “But, brother?”

“What is it?”

“If you trust this Thomas Harris, that’s fine—he’s certainly capable, and handling our uncle isn’t impossible, since he really is timid… But a night raid is dangerous, and you have a bright future ahead of you. Why risk yourself? Let me go in your place. You can handle our uncle and command the troops inside the fortress—wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?”

“I appreciate your good intentions, Charlie.” Hearing this, Edward Benson couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. “It’s just that…”

Truth be told, Thomas Harris was the first “Three Kingdoms hero” that Edward Benson had set his sights on recruiting. But in fact, according to his mother, this younger cousin, who wasn’t even five degrees removed, was probably the first “famous general” he had actually won over. It was just that the two had grown up together, their brotherly bond was obvious, and since Charles Benson’s family was poor and often relied on Edward Benson’s mother for help, over time, some things just seemed natural, and no one thought much of it.

“What is it, then?” Charles Benson couldn’t help but press.

“It’s just that I am now certain, without a doubt, that the world is about to change,” Edward Benson answered with a hint of emotion after coming back to himself. “From now on, everyone will have to risk their lives. Today, I’m just a minor official in the commandery, and outside there are only a couple thousand mixed Hu. If I can’t fight for my life in such circumstances, how can I ever hope to rise to a high position and sit safely in the city while others fight for me?”

Charles Benson lowered his head and thought for a moment. “Brother, is it because you were affected by what happened with Big Brother Bogui? I know that after he became the commandery governor’s favored son-in-law, you seemed happy on the surface, but deep down you were resentful… But you don’t need to worry, brother. This time, with the recommendation letter to study in Luoyang, you’ll surely surpass him in the future.”

Edward Benson didn’t correct his misunderstanding, only sighed softly. “No need to say more, Charlie. I appreciate your concern, but my mind is made up… As for you, keep this roster safe. Since I promised to provide for someone’s wife, I must do it. After the New Year, I’ll be going to Luoyang. If something urgent happens and I don’t have time to explain, you’ll have to tell my mother for me.”

“Understood.” Charles Benson could only nod helplessly.

“Keep it safe, and go change into your armor. Also, bring me my bow, spear, and armor. I’ll wait for you at Lulong Tower.”

“Yes.” Charles Benson bowed again.

And so, the two brothers parted ways for the moment at the end of the barracks. As for what Charles Benson would do, that remains to be seen. Edward Benson, however, made his way up to Lulong Tower to observe the Xianbei camp outside.

The wind atop Lulong Tower was even colder. Several Liaoxi soldiers on night duty were huddled in the room atop the tower. After inviting the nobleman inside several times and being politely refused, they could only shrink back inside.