Chen Mo pushed open the door, carrying a small bundle of gifts wrapped carefully in paper. Inside, He Maguan was seated comfortably, a pipe in hand, exhaling a plume of smoke into the room. As soon as he saw Chen Mo, he stood up in a show of respect, a reflex that had become second nature over time.

Though Chen Mo had gained significant standing as General Sun's personal soldier, he still held deep respect for He Maguan, the seasoned stable master who had mentored him. The relationship had evolved, but it remained rooted in mutual respect.

"Master He, there's no need to get up. Please, just relax," Chen Mo quickly said, noticing He Maguan's instinctive gesture to stand. He Maguan waved his hand, settling back into his chair, his gaze steady but kind.

"I brought you something," Chen Mo continued, his tone warm. "I know you like sweets, so I got you some sugar and snacks." He placed the items on the table, the small package of sugar, a few pastries, and finally a neatly wrapped pound of tobacco.

"I also brought you some high-quality tobacco. I'm not sure how good it is, but I thought you might like to try it."

He Maguan smiled, setting down his pipe and reaching for the tobacco. He knocked the ashes from his pipe and examined the gift with approval. "It smells good," he said, pouring himself a fresh pot of tea to accompany it. "It tastes good too."

There was a note of satisfaction in his voice, but his eyes lingered on Chen Mo for a moment too long, an unspoken thought passing through his mind. He had always thought well of Chen Mo, and though he had taught him many things, there was one regret that lingered in his heart—he had never been able to take him on as a formal disciple.

Chen Mo noticed the look but didn't comment. Instead, he continued, his voice growing more serious. "Once I leave this time, it might be a long time before I can return here. Actually, Ding Bao is a good kid, but he's too blunt sometimes. He tends to act without thinking."

He Maguan's face tightened at the mention of Ding Bao, a subtle frown pulling at his brows. "Don't worry about him too much. I know he's been a little careless, especially with the horse manure incident. But he didn't do it out of malice, just thoughtlessness."

Chen Mo could see the tension in He Maguan's posture. He'd noticed that ever since the incident with Ding Bao secretly selling the manure without informing him or Ma Cai, He Maguan had been more distant with the young soldier. Though Ding Bao had worked with He Maguan for more than two years, the breach of trust had left a sour taste.

"I just wanted to ask you not to take it too harshly," Chen Mo continued, his voice calm and steady. "He's a good boy at heart, and he's learned a lot from you. I know he didn't mean any harm."

He Maguan took another puff of his pipe, silent for a long while. Then, finally, he spoke. "I know you're right. He's just too straightforward for his own good. I'll try to keep an eye on him in the future."

Chen Mo nodded, feeling a sense of relief. He knew how proud He Maguan was of Ding Bao, and the old man's bitterness toward the incident was understandable. But Chen Mo could see that beneath his gruff exterior, He Maguan had a soft spot for his apprentice.

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Just then, He Maguan exhaled a thick cloud of smoke and stood abruptly. "Ding Bao!" he called out, his voice booming across the courtyard. "Get in here!"

Ding Bao, who had been standing outside, nervously shuffled into the room. He was cautious, his head lowered as he entered, as if expecting to be scolded.

"Since Chen Mo pleaded on your behalf," He Maguan said, his voice stern but not unkind, "I won't hold it against you for selling the manure behind my back."

Ding Bao blinked, clearly surprised. "Master, I—"

"Don't interrupt!" He Maguan snapped, though the anger in his voice was tempered by something else—perhaps a flicker of pride.

Ding Bao, still confused, knelt down without hesitation, his face pale. Was this some kind of punishment for his mistake? But when He Maguan continued, his words struck Ding Bao like a thunderclap.

"Kneel down, Ding Bao, and kowtow to me. From now on, I'm taking you on as my disciple!" He Maguan said firmly.

Ding Bao froze, his eyes widening. He'd always hoped to become He Maguan's apprentice, but never had he imagined this would happen so suddenly. His heart raced, and without a moment's hesitation, he dropped to his knees, his forehead touching the ground in a deep, respectful kowtow.

Chen Mo watched the scene with a quiet smile. He knew how much Ding Bao admired He Maguan, and how far the young man had come in his role at the camp. The gesture, though unexpected, was a long time coming.

He Maguan looked over at Chen Mo, his eyes softening as he spoke, "You bear witness. I take this boy as my disciple. If he steps out of line in the future, you can hold me accountable."

Chen Mo nodded without hesitation. "Of course, Master He."

The ceremony was simple but meaningful. Ding Bao, now officially He Maguan's disciple, was filled with a newfound sense of pride and purpose. He couldn't wait to prove himself worthy of the old man's trust.

After the ceremony, He Maguan dismissed Ding Bao with a wave of his hand. "Go on, pack your things," he ordered. "Tomorrow we'll start your lessons on brushing horses. I'll teach you the real way."

Ding Bao practically bounced out of the room, his face alight with excitement.

Chen Mo chuckled and turned to He Maguan. "I'll go pack my things too. It's time for me to leave."

He Maguan nodded silently, his expression unreadable. "You've done a good thing today, Chen Mo. I'll never forget it."

As Chen Mo prepared to leave the barracks, he found Ding Bao waiting outside, his hands awkwardly clasped behind his back.

"Brother Mo, I don't know how to thank you," Ding Bao said earnestly. "You really helped me out today, but I've got nothing to give you in return."

Chen Mo smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't need to thank me, Ding Bao. But if you really want to show your appreciation, get me a pound of pork head from the butcher. And don't forget to bring your master a gift now that you're his disciple."

Ding Bao's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. "I'll go right now!" He then hurried off to fulfill Chen Mo's request.

Chen Mo shook his head with a grin and headed back to his barracks to gather his belongings. It wasn't much—just a few sets of clothes and his bedding, none of which belonged to him. As he packed, he reflected on the time he had spent at the camp. The bonds he had formed, especially with He Maguan, were ones he would never forget.

By the time evening came, Ma Cai had returned, his face a bit weary from his travels. He had brought back the pork head and a small gift for He Maguan, fulfilling his duty as a newly made apprentice.

After a quiet night's rest, Chen Mo woke early the next morning. The first light of dawn had barely touched the sky. Soldiers were already beginning to gather in the parade ground for the selection, a few eager faces waiting to prove themselves.

Chen Mo stretched his limbs and walked out to join them. It wasn't long before Mo Hu arrived, leading the group of new soldiers. He spotted Chen Mo immediately and waved him over.

"Fifth brother!" Chen Mo greeted him with a smile.

"Turn back and follow me," Mo Hu said, dismounting and motioning for the others to follow behind. The day had come for Chen Mo to begin a new chapter in his life.

End