In the pouring rain, hundreds of riders galloped urgently. Iron hooves splashed mud, soaking Jiang Ci’s trouser cuffs. The fierce wind made it difficult for her to keep her eyes open, yet Pei Yan’s hand around her waist never loosened. She decided to silently recite the Yin-Yang Five Elements and visceral meridians from the “Plain Questions” she had memorized, gradually clearing her mind.
As they raced along, Pei Yan suddenly heard Jiang Ci’s faint voice through the wind, rain, and hoof beats. Using his inner power to listen closely, he realized she was reciting a passage on pulse diagnosis from “Plain Questions.” He couldn’t help but chuckle, leaning down to whisper in her ear, “Should I arrange a formal discipleship ceremony for you to officially become Zi Ming’s student one of these days?”
Jiang Ci wanted to ignore him, but his lips were pressed against her earlobe. She could only turn her head slightly and whisper back, “There’s no need to trouble Your Excellency. If Brother Cui is willing to accept me as his disciple, I will perform the proper rituals myself. It has nothing to do with Your Excellency.”
Pei Yan’s brow furrowed slightly but quickly smoothed out. He let out several clear shouts to urge on his horse, taking the lead as he guided the group forward at a gallop.
After riding for over a hundred li, the heavy rain began to subside. The group arrived at a three-way fork in the road. Cui Liang studied their surroundings for a moment before pointing his whip to the right. Pei Yan smiled and spurred his horse, leading them onto the right-hand mountain path.
This stretch of mountain road was extremely treacherous, making it impossible to gallop as they had before. Fortunately, everyone was mounted on fine steeds, preventing them from tumbling into the valley below. Still, it was a perilous journey. Jiang Ci, held in Pei Yan’s embrace, could barely make out the deep, dark valley to their left and the towering black screen of the mountain peak to their right in the dim light. They traveled along this mountain path for half the night. As dawn began to break, the sound of rushing water reached their ears. At last, the group emerged from the narrow valley onto the banks of a stream.
Cui Liang rode up with a smile, saying, “We’ve made it through Taidan Gorge. If we follow Youlong Stream northward, we can bypass Jing Prefecture and reach Niubi Mountain.”
Seeing that both people and horses were exhausted after riding most of the night, Pei Yan said, “Let’s all take a rest.” He dismounted and lifted Jiang Ci down from the saddle. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she quickly pulled away from Pei Yan’s grasp and walked over to stand behind Cui Liang.
The Chang Feng Guard had long since learned to avert their eyes from their lord’s actions, but the few Guangming Guards behind Wei Zhao couldn’t help but look curiously at Jiang Ci, surprised to see the Left Chancellor showing such care for a mere soldier. Wei Zhao’s expression remained impassive as he dismounted and sat down on a large rock by the stream, closing his eyes to rest.
Cui Liang took out some dried rations from his saddlebag. Jiang Ci removed the waterskin from her saddle and filled it at the stream. Remembering the “Plain Questions” she had been reciting during their journey, she quickly ran back to Cui Liang’s side, pulling him to sit down as she eagerly asked him questions.
Cui Liang saw her with dried food in her mouth and “Plain Questions” in her right hand. He smiled and said, “Eat first. Some of these principles you’ll only truly understand when you see real patients and learn to observe, listen, question, and take pulses.”
Jiang Ci tried to speak with her mouth full, causing some food to fall. Her right hand still held the book, so she instinctively reached out with her left to catch the falling morsel. A moment later, she and Cui Liang exclaimed simultaneously, “It’s better!”
Cui Liang gently lifted her left arm, and Jiang Ci felt only a slight stiffness, with no pain in her shoulder. They looked at each other and smiled. Jiang Ci said softly, “Thank you, Brother Cui!”
Cui Liang flicked her forehead with his finger but said nothing. Jiang Ci blushed and smiled, excitedly standing up to gently move her left arm. As she turned, she noticed Wei Zhao by the large rock seemingly looking in her direction. When she looked more closely, his gaze had returned to the rushing water.
By now, the sun had fully risen. After the heavy rain, the morning was clear, with early sunlight breaking through the clouds from the east side of the stream. It fell upon Wei Zhao, surrounding his figure with a halo of light.
Jiang Ci suddenly recalled the Battle of Luofeng Shoal, where the Yueluo people sang the Phoenix Song as he stood with his blood-stained white robes, sword in hand. She remembered the gentle touch of his long, cool fingers brushing her hair behind her ear in the misty peach grove. And that night, his sudden embrace. These memories revealed the true Xiao Wuxia behind that cold facade.
A Guangming Guard quietly approached Wei Zhao, bowing as he offered water and food. Wei Zhao accepted, and as he turned his head, his gaze briefly passed over Jiang Ci. She suddenly smiled, gently raising her left arm. Wei Zhao’s expression remained indifferent as he looked away.
Cui Liang stood up and walked towards Pei Yan, smiling as he said, “I’ve heard that General Ning, known for his white robe and silver lance, is famous along the border as Your Excellency’s top general. I wonder if we’ll have the chance to witness his skills today!”
Pei Yan’s gaze shifted from Jiang Ci as he smiled and replied, “Jian Yu is currently defending the pass at Niubi Mountain with all his might. He’s both intelligent and valiant, with a generous nature. I’m sure he and Zi Ming will become the best of friends.”
The Loushan mountain range is a vast chain of countless peaks stretching across the northern frontier of Hua Dynasty, extending hundreds of li from north to south. Its majestic and layered terrain has long served as a natural divide between the Longbei Plain and the Hexi Plain.
Due to the treacherous and peculiar peaks of the Loushan range, which made military operations difficult, the Huan forces and Bo forces had each taken control of the east and west sides of the mountains after capturing Cheng County, Yu Prefecture, and other areas. They used the Loushan range as a boundary, avoiding conflict.
Bo Yunshan raised his army in Long Prefecture, conquering six prefectures east of the Loushan range, including Zheng County, before being halted at the Xiaojing River. He then directed his main force westward, aiming to break through the southern end of the Loushan range and capture Han Prefecture and Jing Prefecture. This would allow him to take Hexi without crossing the Yanming mountain range, and then use Hexi as a base to advance south into the Xiao River Plain.
Ning Jian Yu led his troops in dozens of fierce battles against Bo’s army along the Xiaojing River, gradually retreating westward until Gao Cheng arrived with 50,000 reinforcements from Hexi, finally giving them a chance to catch their breath. However, Gao Cheng’s reckless advance fell into Bo Yunshan’s trap, resulting in heavy losses. Ning Jian Yu led the Chang Feng Cavalry in a bloody battle, fighting desperately to hold the line. They managed to use the natural defenses of Niubi Mountain to block Bo’s forces east of the Loushan range and north of the Xiaojing River.
As the hour of You approached, Pei Yan’s group finally stood at the northern end of Youlong Stream’s valley, gazing at the Niubi Mountain pass half a li ahead and the vast array of tents stretching to the horizon on its western side.
Pei Yan smiled with great satisfaction, turning to see the excited expressions on the faces of the Chang Feng Guard. He gave a slight nod. Tong Min eagerly volunteered, “I’ll go!” With a shout, his warhorse thundered down from the valley mouth, racing straight for the military camp.
Watching Tong Min’s horse gallop into the camp, Pei Yan called out in a clear voice, “Boys, are you ready?”
The Chang Feng Guard cheered enthusiastically, spurring their horses forward to line up at the mouth of the valley.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with a riot of colors, the sound of hoofbeats rose from the camp’s main gate. A white horse came charging towards them, its rider a white-robed general with a handsome figure. A silver lance over three meters long was attached to his saddle, its tip gleaming in the setting sun. It carved a trail of silver light across the grassland as the horse’s hooves pounded the earth, reaching the base of the hill in mere moments.
Standing beside Cui Liang, Jiang Ci had a clear view. The young general wore silver armor beneath his white robe. His face, visible under his helmet, was handsome and full of vigor, his eyes shining brightly. He reined in his horse at the mouth of the valley, looking up at Pei Yan and the others on the slope. His face broke into a smile as radiant as the sun.
The Chang Feng Guard cheered in unison, spurring their horses down the slope. Amidst the thunder of hooves, the white-robed general let out a hearty laugh. He grasped the silver lance from his saddle, twirling it like the wind as he urged his mount up the slope. A flurry of lance strikes deflected the weapons of the Chang Feng Guard one by one. Using the force of his clash with the last guard, he leaped from his saddle, his form briefly eclipsing the last rays of the setting sun before landing just a few steps in front of Pei Yan.
Laughing, he stepped forward, about to kneel on one knee, but Pei Yan bounded forward and embraced him. Both men burst into hearty laughter. The Chang Feng Guard gathered around, their faces beaming with joy and excitement.
Pei Yan gripped the white-robed general’s shoulders, examining him closely before saying with a smile, “It seems the climate up north agrees with you. If you entered the capital, Jian Yu, you’d put all those noble young masters to shame!”
The Chang Feng Guard roared with laughter. Pei Yan gave the white-robed general a light punch on the chest before turning to say, “Zi Ming, let me introduce you. This is the renowned General Ning Jian Yu of our Chang Feng Cavalry!”
Cui Liang stepped forward with a smile, “Cui Liang of Ping Prefecture, pleased to meet you, General Ning.”
Ning Jian Yu returned the gesture, “I’ve long heard of the famous Scholar Cui. I am Ning Jian Yu of Nan’an Prefecture.” He studied Cui Liang carefully as they exchanged pleasantries.
Some nearby Chang Feng Guards playfully added, “Ning Jian Yu of Nan’an Prefecture, courtesy name Xi Lin, twenty years old, still unmarried—”
Ning Jian Yu raised an eyebrow, his fist moving like the wind as he suddenly turned. The guards laughed and jumped back, filling the slope with merry voices.
Pei Yan scolded with a laugh, “Have you all forgotten your manners? Jian Yu, come quickly and greet Lord Wei.”
Ning Jian Yu released the arm of a Chang Feng Guard and strode over, his expression solemn. Pei Yan took his hand and led him to Wei Zhao, who stood beneath a pine tree. “This is Lord Wei Zhao. Third Young Master, this is General Ning Jian Yu.”
Wei Zhao wore a faint smile, nodding slightly. Ning Jian Yu met his gaze and said formally, “Ning Jian Yu, Third-Rank Military Officer of the Chang Feng Cavalry, greets the Supervising Officer.”
Wei Zhao replied coolly, “General Ning is too polite.” He then turned to Pei Yan and said, “Young Lord, we should wait until nightfall before entering the camp.”
“Of course,” Pei Yan smiled. “It’s been over a year since I’ve seen Jian Yu, and I’ve missed him dearly. I hope the Third Young Master doesn’t mind my display of emotion.” He then turned to Ning Jian Yu, “Is everything prepared as I instructed?”
Ning Jian Yu planted his silver lance on the ground, raising his right hand in a military salute, “Yes, everything has been arranged according to Your Lordship’s orders.”
As the night wind rustled the banners, the dark tents of the camp stretched out to the west of Niubi Mountain Pass. Following Ning Jian Yu’s arrangements, the group entered the camp under cover of darkness, proceeding directly to the central command tent.
After everyone was seated, faint sounds of battle could be heard from the direction of the pass. Ning Jian Yu’s handsome brows furrowed, “That Bo Yunshan, I don’t know what’s gotten into him lately, always launching night attacks.”
“Tell me more details, Jian Yu,” Pei Yan’s expression grew serious. Cui Liang understood and took out a terrain map from his pack, spreading it out on the long table.
Ning Jian Yu lowered his head to study it closely, letting out an excited “Ah!” He looked up, his expression growing animated, “My Lord, with this map, the battle will be much easier to fight!”
His finger traced along the map from the Xiaojing River to Niubi Mountain. “Bo’s army originally had 100,000 troops. After taking Zheng County and other areas, he forcibly recruited about 40,000 more. Excluding 20,000 left to guard Long Prefecture and another 20,000 deployed in Zheng County and other areas, the remaining 100,000 all advanced south to the Xiaojing River line. When they were stopped at the Xiaojing River, he moved his main force towards the Loushan range. Accounting for casualties over this period, he should have about 70,000 troops on the eastern side of Niubi Mountain.”
Pei Yan asked, “Are there any signs of Bo’s forces trying to break through the Loushan range from the Zheng County area to the west?”
“No, I’ve sent many scouts scattered along the Loushan range from south to north. So far, there’s no indication of Bo’s army making such a move, nor any signs of Huan’s forces attempting to break through to the Long Prefecture plains from that direction. I estimate that although these two forces haven’t joined hands, they have a tacit understanding, each keeping to their side of the Loushan range without conflict.”
Cui Liang said, “Right now, both Bo’s army and Huan’s forces are watching to see who can take Hexi Prefecture first. Bo’s army needs to break through Niubi Mountain to take Han Prefecture and Jing Prefecture before attacking Hexi Prefecture from the west. Huan’s forces need to break through the Yanming Mountains to attack Hexi Prefecture from the south. They won’t clash in the Loushan range for now; both sides should be clear on this point.”
Ning Jian Yu nodded, “Yes, Bo’s main force is now on the eastern side of Niubi Mountain. The heavy rains started on the fifth day of this month and continued for several days, causing the water level of the Xiaojing River to rise rapidly. Before the downpour began, I dispatched Gao Cheng’s remaining 30,000 troops to the southern line of the Xiaojing River, under the command of Li Zhen. He comes from a naval background, and with the summer floods, holding the Xiaojing River shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve recalled all our Chang Feng Cavalry that were originally guarding the Xiaojing River back here. Currently, this area is primarily manned by Chang Feng Cavalry, with over 50,000 troops remaining after accounting for casualties.”
“Are the supplies and medical provisions in the camp still sufficient?”
“We can hold out for about a month.”
Pei Yan nodded, “That’s close to what I estimated. It seems our planned strategy is feasible.”
Ning Jian Yu’s gaze, however, was fixed on a certain spot on the map, his eyes gradually brightening. He suddenly turned to look at Pei Yan, who gave a slight smile in return.
As the sounds of battle from the pass began to subside, a rough voice called out from outside the central command tent, “General Ning, Chen An requests an audience!”
Pei Yan smiled and made a gesture. Ning Jian Yu suppressed a laugh and called out, “Enter!”
A general burst into the tent, cursing vehemently, “Damn it! Zhang Zhicheng has no guts to challenge me directly. Instead, he sends these small fries and even resorts to sneaky attacks. I curse his eighteen generations of ancestors!”
Jiang Ci stood behind Cui Liang and the others, intrigued by the crude language. She peeked around to see the source of the commotion. Chen An, despite his rough voice, was quite young, around eighteen or nineteen years old. He was tall and well-built, with thick eyebrows, but his eyes were narrow and elongated, not quite matching his robust frame. He charged into the tent and headed straight for the kettle in the corner. Without using a cup, he grabbed the porcelain kettle and began to drink greedily.
As Chen An tilted his head back to drink, he seemed to sense a change in the atmosphere within the tent. He turned to see the smiling figure standing by the long table and, with a surprised shout, threw the kettle aside and rushed forward.
Chang Fengwei’s Tong Min, already prepared, leaped forward to catch the falling kettle, shaking his head in disapproval. “Xiao Anzi, this is General Ning’s treasured possession. If you break it, how will you make amends?”
Meanwhile, Chen An had already thrown himself in front of Pei Yan, excited and at a loss for what to do. Pei Yan smiled and suddenly threw a punch. Chen An, not daring to take the blow head-on, performed a backward somersault. Pei Yan stepped forward and landed several more punches with one hand. Chen An managed to block each one, and Pei Yan said with a grin, “Not bad, you’ve made progress!” He then withdrew and stood still.
Chen An knelt on one knee in front of Pei Yan and, after a moment, choked up as he spoke, “Xiao Anzi pays respects to His Lordship!”