That evening, Fu Ling learned that she would be heading to Xi Lin City first, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.

“Why must this servant go to Xi Lin City first? This servant knows no one there and is afraid to go alone. This servant wants to stay with the Princess… Aren’t the border tribes known to be fierce? What would this servant do at the mansion alone? This servant is truly scared, Princess, please let me stay with you.”

Fu Ling’s reddened eyes made her look quite pitiful. Qin Wan sighed and said, “We need to travel light this time, and we don’t know what we might encounter at the Shuo Xi military camp. Right now, we have eight large carts of belongings that we’ll need for our life in Xi Lin City. You’re my most capable servant in managing household affairs, and you’ll be the future head housekeeper of the inner court. By sending you ahead, firstly, you’ll avoid hardship with me, and secondly, we truly need you to get the mansion in order. I heard from His Highness that after the mansion’s renovation, the Prince Father only visited two or three times in over ten years. You can imagine how neglected it must be now. The Xi Lin Prince Mansion follows the same layout as the capital’s mansion. Can you get it properly organized in half a month? We’ll return to Xi Lin City after half a month!”

Fu Ling still had tears in her eyes, “But… but this servant doesn’t want to be separated from the Princess…”

Qin Wan held Fu Ling’s hand and said, “I understand, I understand, but we’ll only be apart for a month. His Highness will assign many guards to accompany you back to Xi Lin City. You won’t be alone, and they will protect you and follow your orders. Does that make you feel better?”

Fu Ling’s eyes immediately brightened, “Will you truly listen to me?”

Qin Wan nodded with a smile, “The Xi Lin Mansion only has a few servants. Once you arrive, you’ll be in charge and can command anyone.”

Fu Ling pressed her lips together, making one last attempt to resist, “But… can’t I go with you?”

Qin Wan shook her head, “Bai Ying will come with me, and if we encounter fighting, she can run away on her own. You couldn’t do that. Both you and Bai Ying have important roles, just different ones.”

Fu Ling knew the journey to Shuo Xi would be dangerous. Though reluctant, she accepted after hearing Qin Wan’s explanation. At Xi Lin Mansion, Qin Wan would be the true mistress, and might even become a queen in the future. As Qin Wan’s chief maid, she naturally couldn’t bring shame to her mistress.

Thinking this way, Fu Ling took a deep breath and asked, “Who else will go to Xi Lin City with me?”

Qin Wan replied, “Zhao Yan will return with you…”

Zhao Yan was one of Yan Chi’s secret guards. Though not as close as Bai Feng, he was highly trusted. Qin Wan continued, “Zhao Yan is extremely skilled in martial arts and previously led His Highness’s secret guards. He will lead the men and ensure your complete safety, so you can rest assured.”

For this journey, Qin Wan only brought two maids. Bai Ying, with her excellent martial arts skills, could accompany them anywhere, but Fu Ling couldn’t. After careful consideration, Qin Wan came up with this most comprehensive solution. Upon hearing it would be Zhao Yan, Fu Ling showed some disappointment in her eyes but still nodded, “Then, this servant will not fail the Princess’s instructions.”

Qin Wan smiled slightly and went on to check the traveling belongings, listing out everything that needed to be done at the mansion. There was truly much to do, and Fu Ling’s reluctance faded as she realized the importance of her mission to Xi Lin. Understanding this was a significant responsibility, she immediately became more serious and discussed details with Qin Wan for quite a while before retiring.

That night, as they lay in bed, Yan Chi asked with a smile, “Did you settle things with Fu Ling?”

Qin Wan responded with a “mm” and said, “Yes, it’s settled. That girl is timid, it took quite some encouragement before she felt at ease.”

Yan Chi lowered his head to kiss Qin Wan’s ear and whispered, “Now that everything’s arranged, I haven’t let you tire yourself these past few days, tonight…”

Qin Wan’s breathing suddenly quickened as Yan Chi, already familiar with her body, slipped his hand inside her inner garment. In the complete silence of the winter night, the temperature under the bedcovers rapidly rose, and before long, Qin Wan was overwhelmed by waves of passion…

Early the next morning, everyone in the residence was up. After breakfast, the group left the city. At the crossroads outside the city, Fu Ling looked at Qin Wan with reddened eyes, “Princess must take good care of herself and absolutely must not get hurt. I heard it’s very cold in Shuo Xi, Princess must not fall ill. This servant will be waiting for your return.”

Qin Wan hugged Fu Ling compassionately, feeling somewhat reluctant herself, “Silly girl, I will certainly be fine. You must be careful on your journey too. There’s no need to rush – I’ve given all other instructions to Zhao Yan. Start early each day and rest when dusk approaches. This way you’ll reach Xi Lin City in half a month, and after another half month, I’ll return.”

Fu Ling lowered her eyes to wipe away tears. Qin Wan sighed, “Though you have protection, you must still be careful in an unfamiliar place. You will be my future headmaid, so don’t make me worry. If anything happens, discuss it with Zhao Yan.”

Zhao Yan stood seven feet tall with a lean, muscular build. Even in winter clothing, one could see his robust physique underneath. Perhaps due to Yan Chi’s strict command of his subordinates, Zhao Yan wasn’t one for jokes or idle chat. His mere presence commanded an intimidating air, and his naturally steady demeanor made Qin Wan feel at ease about entrusting Fu Ling to his protection.

After a long farewell between the two, while Yan Chi and others waited nearby, Qin Wan saw it was getting late and finally returned to her carriage. Seeing Fu Ling’s tear-stained face, she steeled her heart and ordered their departure. As the carriage creaked into motion, traveling half a li before looking back, she finally saw Fu Ling’s convoy slowly moving.

Qin Wan couldn’t help but sigh. Outside, Yan Chi rode his horse, talking with Zhang Dongxuan and others. Inside the carriage were only Qin Wan and Bai Ying. Seeing Qin Wan’s melancholy, Bai Ying quickly said, “Princess needn’t worry. Though Fu Ling seems careless usually, she has a resilient nature. Please put your mind at ease.”

Qin Wan sighed, “Speaking of resilience, she doesn’t qualify. She’s just stubborn, determined to follow me no matter what. This journey to Shuo Xi – I fear she’ll suffer hardships, and I worry both she and I would become burdens. One person is fine, but if she came along, things might go badly. Having her go to Xi Lin alone will also serve as an experience for her. You and she will both marry someday, you can’t always revolve around me.”

Hearing this, Bai Ying lowered her eyes, “This servant has no such thoughts.”

Qin Wan held Bai Ying’s hand and said, “Though women don’t necessarily have to marry, if you encounter a good match, I naturally won’t force you to stay. You and Fu Ling are my most trusted and closest people, and I won’t shortchange either of you. Fate is a wonderful thing. You’re steady by nature, but I’d like to see you show a maiden’s demeanor when you meet someone you fancy…”

Bai Ying’s face reddened at these words, and Qin Wan patted her hand without saying more.

With several carts of belongings going ahead with Fu Ling, the current group had only two carriages, with all men on horseback. Qin Wan sat alone in one carriage, while the other carried some miscellaneous items for emergencies. With the reduced convoy, they traveled faster, but as they headed north from Wei County, the mountains became increasingly steep and the roads more treacherous as they approached Yan Xing Mountain. The direct route to Shuo Xi military camp through the southern Yan Xing Mountain was the shortest but most dangerous path. Fortunately, since her revival, Qin Wan had insisted on morning walks, making her body somewhat more resilient. Otherwise, she might not have even survived the journey south from the capital.

After three days of travel, they reached the southern Yan Xing Mountain. The jolting journey had taken its toll on Qin Wan, and when they stopped at an inn in a market town that day, she showed signs of coughing and fever. However, she secretly took medicine without letting Yan Chi know.

Only when they retired for the night and Yan Chi held Qin Wan in his arms did he notice something was wrong? “Why are you so hot?”

Qin Wan shook her head, “It’s nothing, probably because the bath water was too hot… We need to travel early tomorrow, let’s sleep.”

Yan Chi wouldn’t believe this. He felt her forehead, then his own, confirming her temperature was abnormal. He quickly got up to light a lamp. “Wan Wan, are you ill? I’ve noticed your complexion hasn’t been good these past two days, and today you seem especially listless. Are you feeling unwell?”

Qin Wan smiled bitterly, “I’m a doctor myself, you should trust me. The journey has indeed been tiring, but everyone is tired, and I don’t even have to ride horseback – I’m already better off.”

Qin Wan tried to pull Yan Chi back to bed, but he frowned and refused. Qin Wan smiled wryly, “Why would I deceive you? It’s true!”

Yan Chi’s eyes suddenly became serious, “There are doctors in this market town. If you won’t tell me, I’ll send someone to fetch a doctor.”

As he moved to dress and go out, Qin Wan had to stop him, “Alright, alright, I’ll tell you… don’t worry.”

Only then did Yan Chi fix his gaze on Qin Wan. She sighed, “It seems I’ve caught a cold from exhaustion. I’ve been very careful on this journey, but still fell ill. I’ve already taken medicine today, don’t worry, I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.”

Qin Wan didn’t want to fall ill at this time, but when people are tired, they become more susceptible to illness. During the day’s journey, she had lifted the carriage curtain several times and was invaded by the cold.

Upon hearing this, Yan Chi quickly asked, “You’ve already taken medicine? What medicine? Has it been effective?”

Yan Chi’s eyes grew more serious, “No wonder your complexion has been getting worse. This won’t do – tell me the prescription now, you must have a proper decoction.”

Qin Wan smiled wryly and pulled Yan Chi to the bed without argument, “Don’t be so anxious. I’m a doctor, and I least want to fall ill at this time. I won’t joke with my health. Before coming, I prepared some medicine specifically for colds. As soon as I felt unwell today, I took it immediately – I’m not taking medicine carelessly.”

Yan Chi remained half-skeptical, “Are you sure?”

Qin Wan smiled and embraced Yan Chi, “Truly! You just need to hold me while I sleep and let me sweat it out. I’ll be much better tomorrow, you’ll see.”

Hearing this, Yan Chi quickly held Qin Wan tighter and pulled the brocade quilt to cover her completely. Qin Wan smiled wryly, “You don’t need to wrap me so tightly…”

“We must. If you catch more wind tonight, won’t you feel worse tomorrow?” He said, kissing her forehead. “You should sleep now. If you haven’t improved by early tomorrow, we’ll stay here for a day, and have proper medicine decoction before continuing.”

Qin Wan knew from his tone that Yan Chi wasn’t joking. Not wanting to delay their journey, she quietly nestled in his arms to sleep. Yan Chi’s body was very warm, and with the medicine she’d taken, Qin Wan soon fell asleep. Yan Chi, however, couldn’t sleep. Looking at Qin Wan’s tired face, he felt both pity and distress. He held her tightly all night, keeping out even the slightest breeze. Though Yan Chi dozed off several times, he would wake startled after moments, only relaxing after seeing Qin Wan still sleeping soundly. After such a restless night, dawn was approaching when Yan Chi finally fell asleep properly.

Qin Wan didn’t know how much Yan Chi had worried, but after that night, she was indeed much better the next morning. After repeatedly assuring Yan Chi, he finally abandoned the idea of staying an extra day. After breakfast, the group resumed their journey. That day, Yan Chi chose to ride in the carriage with Qin Wan instead of horseback and had the convoy slow their pace. This allowed Qin Wan to rest in the carriage while others also got some respite.

Throughout the journey, not only was Qin Wan tired, but the others, though men, found continuous horseback riding challenging. Zhang Dongxuan and his group had already rushed day and night from elsewhere to Liang Zhou. Though exhausted, Yan Chi’s strict command meant they wouldn’t speak up as long as they could endure. Now that Qin Wan was ill, they could finally catch their breath.

In the carriage, Qin Wan couldn’t resist lifting the curtain, but Yan Chi grabbed her hand, “No, it’s too cold outside. How can your illness improve if you catch more cold wind?”

Yesterday Qin Wan still had a headache, but today only a slight cough remained, though she still felt weary. Yan Chi accompanied her specifically to keep her in check. Thus, Qin Wan could only nod obediently and lean against Yan Chi. He covered her with two fox fur blankets and placed two more braziers in the carriage. Now the carriage was as warm as spring, making even Yan Chi break into a light sweat. “I know you want to see the scenery outside, but there will be plenty to see when we reach Shuo Xi.”

With Qin Wan’s illness, Yan Chi became even gentler than usual, and she unconsciously relied on him more. “I’ve never been to the Northwest before. Though conditions are harsh here, it has scenery rarely seen in the South – majestic mountains and rivers, very magnificent. Now that it’s snowed, I can’t help wanting to look more…”

How could Yan Chi not understand her thoughts? “Shuo Xi is full of such scenery. I fear you might tire of it eventually.”

Lying against Yan Chi’s chest, Qin Wan became drowsy. Taking her illness seriously, she had used strong medicine, which was now making her sleepy. Seeing her dozing like a cat while trying to keep her eyes open, Yan Chi couldn’t help smiling, “Sleep if you want to, I’ll have them slow down.”

Qin Wan couldn’t resist anymore and softly murmured an “mm” before falling asleep.

Though Qin Wan had worried her illness would be difficult to cure and delay everyone, unexpectedly, after two days, the cold was completely gone. Despite this, Yan Chi refused to remove the braziers and fox-fur blankets from the carriage. Moreover, when passing through a market town, he paid an extremely high price for a pure white fox-fur cloak. Though the cloak’s workmanship wasn’t particularly fine, its only notable feature was the extremely thick and snow-white lustrous fur, marking it as top-quality fox fur. Seeing Yan Chi’s distinguished bearing, the seller quoted an outrageously high price. Though Yan Chi could have revealed his identity to intimidate the seller, he ultimately said nothing and had Bai Feng pay the price.

When the cloak was brought back to the carriage, Qin Wan was fine until she asked about the price, then became distressed about the cost. From that day on, she wore the cloak daily, and due to its genuine warmth and protection, she didn’t fall ill again for the rest of the journey.

After traveling for ten days, Qin Wan’s group reached southwestern Shuo Xi, just a day’s journey from White Wolf Mountain. The Shuo Xi military camp was on the eastern side of White Wolf Mountain, less than three days away. However, at this point, Yan Chi had the convoy slow their pace. After another day, Qin Wan saw Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng!

In a valley southwest of White Wolf Mountain was a temporary outpost of the Shuo Xi army. The originally small camp had been expanded to accommodate ten thousand people. This was the meeting place arranged between Yan Chi and Master Qi’s group, and Zhou You and others who had parted ways in Luo Zhou had already arrived here earlier.

Upon entering the Shuo Xi plateau, the scenery became increasingly vast, with magnificent mountain ranges everywhere, though lacking the verdant greens of the south. Lakes and rivers like those in the south were nowhere to be seen. The sky was high and the land vast, yet desolate and bleak – this was Qin Wan’s first impression of Shuo Xi.

In the valley southwest of White Wolf Mountain, a large clearing surrounded by withered trees contained row upon row of connected tents. This was a typical square camp, with hundred-meter-large camps in all four directions, collectively protecting the central command tent. A main road ran straight through to all four camps, with smaller paths crisscrossing elsewhere. Around the outer perimeter was a temporary wooden palisade wall. Qin Wan’s carriage stopped outside the camp gate, where she immediately saw the wolf-emblazoned military flag of the Shuo Xi army!

Before the main camp, Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng stood at the front, with dozens of armored generals behind them. Everyone eagerly awaited the arriving convoy, and as soon as they saw Yan Chi riding up with the others, they all knelt in salute before he even stopped his horse!

“Long live His Highness Prince Rui!”

Yan Chi galloped up to the crowd and suddenly reined in his horse, his figure appearing even more heroic and agile. After glancing at the orderly camp gate and the assembled generals, Yan Chi nodded, “Everyone, please rise! I have arrived late, keeping you all waiting!”

Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng rose first. Chu Fei Sheng stepped forward and said, “Your Highness! We’ve finally waited for your arrival! We’ve all been anticipating your coming! Now it’s wonderful! Tomorrow we’ll show that old Lin Xu Gui what our Shuo Xi army is capable of!”

Master Qi smiled beside him, “We’ve been worried about Your Highness’s journey. Seeing you arrive safely puts this humble one at ease!”

Yan Chi dismounted, and the generals behind Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng all joined in agreement. Yan Chi looked at the others and said, “You’ve waited long, and seeing you all safe puts me at ease as well. We’ll discuss military matters later. First, meet my Princess Consort!”

After speaking, Yan Chi turned to the carriage behind him, lifted the curtain with one motion, and reached his hand inside.

Everyone watched the carriage door as a delicate jade-like hand first rested in Yan Chi’s palm, followed by a graceful figure emerging from the carriage. At the camp gate full of masculine martial spirit, this elegant silhouette seemed somewhat out of place, yet particularly captivating. Soon, everyone saw the famed Princess Consort of Prince Rui, the former Princess Yongci. For a moment, everyone at the camp gate, including Chu Fei Sheng, held their breath. They looked at Qin Wan, with her ice-jade complexion and noble bearing, hardly believing such an otherworldly beauty could appear here.

Though Qin Wan showed signs of fatigue from the journey, she wore only her usual plain clothes with the new fox-fur cloak Yan Chi had bought. Her black hair was simply styled in a small bun with a jade hairpin. Besides this, she wore no makeup or jewelry. Her pure, untainted appearance seemed above worldly dust, yet as she held Yan Chi’s hand and stood firm after descending from the carriage, she emanated a noble and resilient aura. Though she stood there delicately and gracefully, her clear gaze as she looked over made even these battle-hardened generals tremble inwardly. This Princess Consort was beautiful and delicate, but her inner strength matched any man present!

Before Qin Wan could speak, she had already inspired awe in even those generals who had previously scoffed at hearing Yan Chi would bring his Princess Consort.

“This subordinate greets the Princess Consort—”

Master Qi led with a cupped-hand salute, and others, suddenly coming to their senses, followed suit with their greetings.

Qin Wan smiled slightly, “Please, no need for such formality.”

While maintaining a calm expression, she instantly observed everyone’s reactions.

Among the dozen or so people present, at least half showed curiosity rather than respect when she first appeared. These battle-hardened generals, though perhaps excellent commanders, didn’t necessarily understand how to respect women. In their eyes, a military camp was no place for women, and the title of Princess Consort alone wasn’t enough to earn their genuine reverence. Even if they showed courtesy because of their loyalty to Yan Chi, they wouldn’t truly regard her as significant.

Qin Wan could understand these thoughts and sympathize, but as she would stand beside Yan Chi, she couldn’t forever remain in his shadow. Though she lacked the talent to command armies or the martial prowess to defeat them, she needed to at least display the bearing of a Princess Consort and a depth they couldn’t fathom.

The world’s hearts are complex and subtle, making human relationships inevitably complicated. Those in high positions must especially understand the art of commanding subordinates. Though Qin Wan disliked such power dynamics, she didn’t reject them. While the position of Princess Consort depended on Yan Chi, it was still one that commanded others’ bows and kneeling. Without matching skills and temperament, she would only trouble Yan Chi. Fortunately, Qin Wan felt no fear of these challenges; rather, she understood the principle of fulfilling one’s responsibilities according to one’s position.

Qin Wan’s smile was faint, her gaze carrying a cool, commanding force. Though beautiful, delicate, and young, her every word and gesture showed she was no ordinary noble lady. Everyone realized that a woman who could stand beside Yan Chi and be brought to the Shuo Xi military camp must be extraordinary. With this understanding, none dared to stare directly at her, making this first meeting proceed smoothly.

Seeing that Qin Wan wasn’t one for many words, Master Qi quickly stepped aside and gestured, “Your Highness and Princess Consort must be tired from your long journey. Please enter the camp.”

Chu Fei Sheng also came to his senses, “Yes, yes, Your Highness, Princess Consort, please enter.”

Yan Chi was about to hold Qin Wan’s hand as they entered, but she pulled away and stayed half a step behind him. Yan Chi frowned slightly, but when he looked at her, she quickly winked at him. His eyebrows rose slightly, somewhat amused before he turned and strode into the camp.

Upon entering, soldiers lined both sides of the path, kneeling in salute as Yan Chi passed. The cry of “Long live Prince Rui” thundered like waves. Mindful of Qin Wan, Yan Chi slowed his pace, appearing even more noble and dignified. Walking half a step behind, Qin Wan watched his profile, her heart-stirring repeatedly.

In this world, everyone admires the strong, especially Qin Wan with her extraordinary character who found ordinary men unremarkable. She had always felt Yan Chi’s presence, tempered by hardship, was quite imposing, but now, seeing his influence in the military firsthand, her respect for him grew even deeper!

Between men, a distinguished background alone is far from enough to earn genuine respect. Qin Wan knew these reverential shouts were earned by Yan Chi’s physical sacrifices over more than ten years. Thinking of the crisscrossing scars on his body, she felt both pain and admiration, her trust in him solid as a rock…

The path to the central command tent wasn’t very long. Upon entering, warmth enveloped them. Though snow layered the ground outside the camp gate, it had been cleared inside. Where the soldiers had stood earlier was now a mixture of melted snow and mud, frozen into ice-covered hard ground due to the cold. Regular soldiers trained on such cold, hard ground. As Yan Chi and Qin Wan entered, Chu Fei Sheng and Master Qi followed.

Others had gone ahead to wait for Yan Chi in the council tent.

Master Qi said, “This tent was prepared upon receiving Your Highness’s letter. If anything is lacking, please instruct us later.”

Yan Chi waved his hand, “Master’s preparations surely won’t disappoint.”

After observing Qin Wan throughout their journey, Chu Fei Sheng smiled and said, “Is this Princess Consort’s first time in a military camp? If anything seems unsuitable, please just say so.”

Qin Wan smiled, “Everything seems fine to me, General Chu need not worry.”

Chu Fei Sheng’s eyes widened, “How does the Princess Consort know my surname is Chu?”

Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi and said, “His Highness spoke much about Shuo Xi during our journey. I’ve long heard of General Chu’s reputation, so I recognized you at first sight.”

Chu Fei Sheng seemed pleased, “I didn’t expect the Princess Consort to be so perceptive! To recognize me at a glance!”

Master Qi smiled silently beside them. Compared to other commanders, as Yan Lin’s former military advisor and practically Yan Chi’s half-teacher, he was closest to the Yan family and naturally pleased to see the commanders getting along well with Qin Wan…

Concerned about military matters, Yan Chi didn’t want to keep Chu Fei Sheng long and soon had them both withdraw.

After they left, Yan Chi sat down to talk with Qin Wan, “How is it? This place is quite different from Luo Zhou.”

Qin Wan smiled, “When we met General Zhou in Luo Zhou, I thought their camp was very disciplined and capable. But coming here, I realize the elite spirit is even stronger here. Just now, entering the camp, all the soldiers stood in the cold wind, straight as bamboo, eyes bright as stars, each one resolute and solemn. Their salutes were uniform, their voices strong and clear. The Shuo Xi army truly lives up to its reputation!”

Hearing Qin Wan’s praise, Yan Chi smiled, “With such high praise, I should relay this to them.”

Qin Wan smiled, “The Shuo Xi army is yours and Father King’s life’s work. Finally seeing it makes this journey worthwhile!”

Yan Chi held her hand and said, “This place is even harsher than Luo Zhou. See if anything is unsuitable…”

“I’m not delicate. I think everything here is fine!” Qin Wan said while continuing to look around. This central command tent was larger than the one in Luo Zhou, though more austere in style and simply furnished. However, as Qin Wan said, she had never expected the central command tent to be luxurious!

Yan Chi nodded, spoke with Qin Wan briefly more, then called Bai Ying to attend her while he went to the council tent.

After Yan Chi left, Qin Wan explored the central command tent. It had two sections of similar size, front and back. The front was for receiving guests and holding councils, while the back had only a bathtub, a bed, a screen, and a table with chairs. After some thought, Qin Wan instructed Bai Ying to bring in their luggage and lay out the fox furs. Then she and Bai Feng boiled water for tea, and knowing Yan Chi wouldn’t return for a while, she thoroughly cleaned both sections of the tent.

After cleaning, Qin Wan sighed with relief, “That’s good enough, as long as it’s clean.”

Looking at the simple surroundings, Bai Ying felt it wasn’t right for Qin Wan, “Don’t worry, Princess. We won’t stay here long. Things will be better in Xi Lin.”

Qin Wan smiled, “You think I’m not used to this? I find it quite nice here. I’ve experienced hardship before. Remember when you first came to the Qin Mansion in Jin Zhou? I had just moved to the new courtyard then. My old courtyard wasn’t much different from this…”

Having entered the Qin household, Bai Ying knew what kind of life Qin Wan had led there, but since following her, things had gotten better and better for Qin Wan, so naturally she felt concerned now.

Qin Wan glanced outside and asked, “Are women rarely allowed in the military camp?”

Bai Ying nodded, “Yes, the Shuo Xi main camp previously had strict rules forbidding women from entering.”

Qin Wan was surprised, not expecting Shuo Xi’s rules to be so strict. In other places, it wasn’t completely forbidden for women to enter camps. In Jin Zhou, Yue Ning could enter the outer camp. Hearing this, Qin Wan became worried, “With rules so strict, would it be improper for me to move about the camp?”

Bai Ying asked puzzled, “Then Princess plans to…”

Qin Wan’s eyes darted thoughtfully, “I’ll discuss it with him when he returns.”

Bai Ying nodded without further questions. Soon after, Bai Feng brought food – just rice porridge and white steamed buns. Bai Ying explained, “Shuo Xi’s provisions are limited, and this isn’t the main camp, so this is all we have…”

They had arrived at camp in the afternoon, and Qin Wan was indeed hungry. Seeing the porridge was well-cooked and soft, she had two small bowls, which finally put Bai Ying at ease. By evening, when Yan Chi returned from the council tent and learned Qin Wan had eaten two bowls of plain porridge, he felt sympathetic.

He pulled her to sit by the bed and asked, “Should we have Bai Ying make some snacks?”

Qin Wan laughed, “Rather than Bai Ying cooking, I’d better do it myself. I know Bai Ying’s martial arts skills but didn’t know she could cook.”

Yan Chi sighed, “You’re not used to this food. Though you can eat it today, I worry you won’t be able to tomorrow.”

Qin Wan found his concern both amusing and touching, “You enjoyed fine food in the capital too. Are you uncomfortable here?”

When Yan Chi shook his head, she continued, “Then that’s fine. Food and clothing aren’t problems. I wanted to discuss something with you…”

Yan Chi asked, “What is it?”

Qin Wan hesitated, “I just learned that women aren’t allowed in the main camp at Shuo Xi, so I was wondering… starting tomorrow, could I dress as a man? Dressed as I am now, it’s difficult to do anything outside.”

Yan Chi frowned at this. He hadn’t planned to let Qin Wan go out, not because of rules – her status here overrode that – but because she was beautiful, and he didn’t want his soldiers eyeing his wife in a camp full of men!

However, men’s clothing… Yan Chi recalled when Qin Wan had dressed as a man to help examine corpses. Seeing her serious expression, he nodded, “If… that’s what you want, then alright…”

Qin Wan’s eyes brightened immediately, “Great! I’ll go ask Bai Feng for some clothes right away!”

Though she could have worn Yan Chi’s clothes, he was too tall for even alterations to work well. Bai Feng, being shorter, was their only hope. Qin Wan called Bai Feng in, and he remembered the clothes purchased in Jian Zhou. Back then, Yan Chi had insisted on buying clothes for Qin Wan, and when she couldn’t refuse, she had outfits made for all their attendants. Being new, Bai Feng hadn’t worn his while traveling.

Though Qin Wan disliked taking back gifted clothes, she had no choice now. When Bai Feng brought the outer robe, it needed only slight alterations to fit. Though the tent had no mirror, Yan Chi’s expression told her the clothes fit well, confirming her decision to wear men’s clothing!

By the time they finished all this, night had fallen. Yan Chi visited the council tent once more before returning to bed.

After washing up and lying down, Qin Wan asked, “What did you discuss with them today? Do you have a plan?”

Now that they were here, though Yan Chi didn’t have Qin Wan attend council meetings, he never hid military matters from her. He explained, “We’ll head to the main camp in two days. Lin Xu Gui has been entrenched in Shuo Xi for so long, he has his troops plus those who came with the court. It won’t be easy to deal with.”

Qin Wan frowned, “Will everyone depart in two days?”

Yan Chi shook his head, “Currently we have thirteen thousand troops. Six thousand will move first, and I have other plans for the rest. Chu Fei Sheng will lead the troops while you and I stay in camp for now—”

Qin Wan nodded, “That’s good…”

Yan Chi stroked her head, “Don’t worry, I won’t leave you alone in camp.”

Qin Wan hugged him tightly, murmuring, “That’s good. If you must charge into battle, I’ll go with you.”

Yan Chi laughed at this, and Qin Wan said softly, “I could follow at the very back to treat wounded soldiers…”

Hearing her voice grow smaller, seeming to know she was in the wrong, Yan Chi couldn’t help rolling over to pin her down. “Not even at the very, very back. You’re my wife – let me be selfish just this once. Even if you could save a hundred people, I won’t allow it. But in camp, you can do as you please. How’s that, Princess?”

Qin Wan had only been speaking hypothetically, never expecting Yan Chi to let her onto the battlefield. “I can do anything in camp?”

Yan Chi made an affirmative sound, “You’re the best doctor in Great Zhou. I know you want to help, so do as you please… Many are wounded and ill in winter, and camp doctors are limited. Many don’t receive timely treatment. Once your safety is assured, I’d like to reduce our men’s suffering too.”

Seeing Qin Wan already planning in her head, clearly distracted, Yan Chi turned her face back to him, “Think about that tomorrow. Right now, think about your husband…”

Qin Wan blinked, “Does my husband have an ailment that needs treatment?”

Yan Chi was momentarily stumped by her words, then laughed, “Where do you think I’m ailing? Here?” He pressed against her suggestively.

Qin Wan’s cheeks warmed as she softly huffed, “For now… I don’t think so…”

Yan Chi smiled, moving closer until their breaths mingled, “I’m letting you do as you please, can’t you let me do as I please too?”

His husky voice made her heart race wildly, and she whispered, “Haven’t I… always let you do as you please?”

Yan Chi’s throat bobbed sharply. After such words from Qin Wan, how could he hold back? He immediately kissed her, muffling whatever she tried to say, swallowing all her words. Soon, the simple military cot began creaking…

Early the next morning, when Qin Wan woke, Yan Chi was gone. Feeling his side of the bed, she found it cold, while outside it wasn’t yet fully light, showing how early he had risen. Though she could sleep in at White Deer Isle, since departing she never slept late, and now in the military camp, she especially didn’t want to seem different. She got up immediately, and while dressing, faintly heard the roaring shouts of soldiers training.

Moved by this, she put on the men’s clothes prepared the night before. After washing up and having a quick breakfast, she went out with Bai Ying, whose small tent was behind the central command tent. With Qin Wan in men’s clothing, Bai Ying naturally wore practical short garments too. Though they were less conspicuous than yesterday’s dresses, Qin Wan’s fair complexion and slim waist would reveal her difference to anyone who looked closely.

However, camp discipline was strict, and after yesterday’s arrival, everyone knew who she was. Though the camp now had a peach-blossom-faced young man in white, no one dared look too long. Thus, Qin Wan’s journey to the training ground drew little attention. At the training ground, she immediately spotted Yan Chi standing on the high platform.

He held a long spear, wearing light, practical short garments. Even in such cold weather, his clothes were neat and efficient, revealing the strong muscles underneath. Just standing there on the platform, he emanated an aura capable of commanding thousands of troops. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly, making a soft clicking sound.