The Shuo Xi army maintained strict discipline. Although the camp had been without a master for many days after Yan Lin’s sudden death last year, over these six months, the camp’s soldiers still maintained order. Because of this, Chu Fei Shen needed only half a day to reorganize the current eighty thousand troops.

While Chu Fei Shen organized the army, Qin Wan and Bai Ying cleaned up the central military tent. When Lin Xu Gui first arrived at the main camp, he didn’t dare live there directly. Only after news of Yan Chi’s rebellion spread did he brazenly move into the central military tent. It had been just over two months, so the quarters’ arrangement remained unchanged—they only needed to collect Lin Xu Gui’s items and clean up.

After noon, Chu Fei Shen entered the council hall with the current troop registers.

Placing all the registers on the table, Chu Fei Shen reported, “Lin Xu Gui indeed intended to break up our original organization. He scrambled all the camp units and reorganized them, moving all the commanders to different positions. Now that Your Highness has returned, we need only reorganize according to the original structure.

Lin Xu Gui bought off many people. Of the ten Military Generals of rank six and above whom we rescued, seven of those who remained in camp were bought by him. Of those below rank six, we rescued six, while thirty-four in the camp were imprisoned, and three died from excessive torture. Among the soldiers, after counting, fifty were executed by hanging for openly defying Lin Xu Gui and being branded as rebels, while another hundred were imprisoned for inappropriate speech. Now, most of those who were imprisoned have injuries and illnesses, and have been released and settled.”

Chu Fei Shen sighed here, “Those who died were thrown out of the main camp. This humble servant has already sent people to retrieve them for proper burial.”

When Lin Xu Gui first arrived in Shuo Xi, he didn’t dare harm the Shuo Xi officers and soldiers extensively. Later, as the situation intensified, he finally dared to act in earnest. He had originally planned to send the troublemakers from the Shuo Xi army to Ding Province for trial, but unexpectedly, Yan Chi had Yu Qi and others intercept and rescue them en route, allowing many to escape.

Finally, Lin Xu Gui had to imprison these people in the Shuo Xi main camp. When nothing else was happening, he would torture them for confessions, making them write unfavorable statements about Yan Lin and Yan Chi, planning to use these to frame the father and son upon returning to the capital.

Yan Chi sat in the main seat, his brow slightly furrowed, his eyes gleaming cold.

The Shuo Xi army suffered significant casualties every year, but those casualties had always been from defending against enemy tribes. This time, these people died because of Lin Xu Gui.

Just cutting off one ear was too lenient for him!

Yan Chi quickly suppressed his emotions. “Treat the wounded well. Don’t rush the rest. Put Lin Xu Gui and Lin Xie in the water prison.”

After a slight pause, Yan Chi instructed, “Don’t let them die.”

Chu Fei Shen nodded, “Yes, this humble servant thought of that too.”

Just then, Bai Feng entered from outside. “Master, the generals outside request to see you.”

Yan Chi had just entered the camp, and most people had only briefly seen him. But a mere glimpse wasn’t enough. Besides those rescued by Chu Fei Shen and others, the remaining commanders naturally were also eager to pay their respects to Yan Chi. Yan Chi nodded, “Let them enter…”

Outside the council hall stood about thirty military officers. Among them, the lowest ranked was sixth grade, and many had just been released. Knowing Yan Chi had returned, even with wounds from Lin Xu Gui’s torture, they hurried to see Yan Chi to set their minds at ease.

Yan Chi let everyone enter, and these thirty-plus military officers gradually entered the council hall. Among them, many were hot-tempered, having suffered greatly for opposing Lin Xu Gui. Even those skilled at concealment had accumulated countless anger and grievances in their hearts. Now, seeing Yan Chi again in this familiar council hall, more than half had reddened eyes. Seeing everyone like this, Yan Chi’s gaze also became deep with grief.

Though the Shuo Xi army had many officers and soldiers, those most familiar with Yan Chi were middle-ranking commanders. Looking at the pairs of tear-filled eyes, at the familiar faces bearing wounds, Yan Chi’s heart also ached dully. He personally helped everyone up, his voice slightly hoarse, “You’ve suffered. These six months haven’t been easy. Seeing you still standing here, I am very grateful.”

“As long as we could wait for Your Highness’s return, our suffering means nothing!”

“Yes, Your Highness, we already know about the Emperor murdering the old Lord. Your Highness, how shall we avenge the old Lord?!”

Hatred brewed in everyone’s eyes, and Yan Chi felt even more grateful. “Jiang He Ying, the Qian Province Commander, has already been punished. Next, it’s time to settle accounts with the Son of Heaven.”

The council hall fell silent for a moment. Speaking of opposing the Son of Heaven, these commanders—who held considerable rank in the Shuo Xi army but were barely noticeable in the imperial court—felt it somewhat surreal, not knowing what such a thing would be like. Previously, the Shuo Xi army had been loyal to the court, and Yan Lin and Yan Chi had never overstepped. Now Yan Chi had been branded a rebel traitor, and though they would follow him, they still had some hidden worries.

Seeing the look in everyone’s eyes, Yan Chi said, “Returning today and seeing everyone still willing to follow, I am deeply grateful. However… the situation is different from before. I must be clear with you now. According to my intention, from now on, the Shuo Xi army will not belong to the Son of Heaven. I intend to establish my kingdom from the Rui Prince Manor in Xi Lin City, governing Shuo Xi from here. If we have the strength, the southern Jian Province and Qian Province, the eastern Liang Province, Ding Province, and Meng Province may all be possibilities in the future. The White Wolf Pass remains our responsibility, but we will have no more connection with the Lin An court. Such a declaration of kingship will certainly not be tolerated by the court. When the time comes, they will likely send troops to suppress us. Then, the Shuo Xi army may face attacks from both front and rear. You are the pillars of the Shuo Xi army, and there will be many times in the future when you must charge into battle. Given my decision today, whether to continue following depends entirely on your heart. If you stay, there are no high positions or rich rewards. If you leave, you will receive ten times your military salary to compensate for your years of hardship.”

Yan Chi spoke word by word, not particularly fast, so everyone heard each word. They understood Yan Chi’s plans and the future difficulties the Shuo Xi army would face. Yan Chi paused for a moment. “From this moment until noon tomorrow, from Chu Fei Shen down to the lowest soldier, all may stay or leave as they wish. But after noon tomorrow, anyone leaving camp will be considered a deserter! And dealt with according to military law!”

Yan Chi’s stern gaze passed over each person. “These words will soon be distributed as a proclamation to every tent. The soldiers below must be considered, and you must weigh carefully. For many years, the Shuo Xi main camp has relied on your dedication. Whether you stay or go in the future, I will remember everyone’s hard work and keep it in my heart.”

Yan Chi’s words made tears glisten in everyone’s eyes. After a moment, he lifted his lips slightly. “Alright, the wounded should quickly seek treatment, and others help General Chu organize the troops. At least today, you are all still my commanders! Go now, there will be a feast today to reward everyone.”

The hall remained silent for a while before someone slowly bowed and retreated. After everyone left, Yan Chi also sighed.

Chu Fei Shen said, “Your Highness, why do this? Even without saying these things, everyone would be willing to follow Your Highness.”

Yan Chi waved his hand. “Things are different from before. Among the hundred thousand Shuo Xi troops, some are from north of Yan Jiang. For them to stay in Shuo Xi would be unfair to their families. These words had to be said today. As for how they choose, we shall see.”

After a pause, Yan Chi said, “Call Fang Qin back. Leave White Wolf Pass temporarily to the deputy commander. Before returning to Xi Lin, I want to see him.”

Chu Fei Shen acknowledged and turned to leave. The army still needed organizing, and tonight there would be a feast—a full military banquet. In the past, this was only done after winning battles, but for all the military officers and soldiers, Yan Chi’s return was almost the same as winning a battle!

Yan Chi discussed some miscellaneous matters with Yu Qi, Master Qi, and others in the council hall before returning to the central military tent. Upon entering, he saw Qin Wan sleeping on the couch by the bed. Yan Chi’s brow furrowed as he quickly went forward to pick her up. He carried her toward the back hall, and just as he placed her on the bed, Qin Wan woke up.

She looked at him hazily, “Why are you back?”

Yan Chi smiled, “I finished and came back. You didn’t sleep all last night, why not lie on the bed?”

Qin Wan shook her head and sat up, “Is everything arranged? I wanted to wait for you to return, you must be busy having just come back.”

Yan Chi poked Qin Wan’s nose, “Silly girl, it’s still early, why don’t you sleep a while?”

It was indeed still early, and Qin Wan hesitated for a moment before nodding. Going without sleep for a night wasn’t much, but she had marched all night wearing heavy armor without sleep, and after returning to the main camp, there had been more busy work. By now, she indeed could hardly keep going.

“Alright… I’ll sleep for an hour, remember to wake me.” Qin Wan then asked, “Won’t you rest?”

Yan Chi smiled, “I’m not tired. In the past, I’ve gone three or four nights without closing my eyes.”

Qin Wan knew Yan Chi had made time to come check on her, so she didn’t urge further. She lay down and covered herself with the blanket, soon entering dreamland.

In her dream, she was back in last night’s bone-chilling wind on the mountain ridge, watching blood flow like a river in the valley below. Such bloodshed was almost identical to the night her clan died in her previous life. However, just as the overwhelming bloodshed was about to drown her, a hand suddenly gripped hers. That hand had long, strong joints, warm and solid. Qin Wan felt the overwhelming bloodshed suddenly scattered by the wind…

She saw the Shuo Xi soldiers’ victorious smiles, saw the fortress-like magnificence of the main camp, and saw thousands of troops bowing to Yan Chi, shouting “Long live Prince Rui.” Scene after scene passed before her eyes, and so the bit of reluctance and fear in Qin Wan’s heart scattered away. That warm hand led her, past the gazes of the main camp’s soldiers, step by step to the central military tent’s entrance. He said, meet the Princess Consort—

Qin Wan didn’t know how long she had slept, but when she opened her eyes, she saw it had grown dark outside. Her heart jumped, knowing Yan Chi had deliberately not woken her. After sleeping half the day, Qin Wan’s spirit had returned, though now she felt somewhat lazy about moving.

The central military tent was very simple, but being made of stone, it was well-insulated. A stone wall separated the inner and outer rooms, the walls covered with red earth. Being the commander’s tent, it had some cloth paintings for decoration, giving it a grand and magnificent appearance. Qin Wan turned to look toward the door, faintly seeing dim lights outside, knowing Yan Chi wasn’t in the tent at the moment. Thinking Yan Chi was still busy, she turned over, planning to rest her eyes a bit more.

But just then, a melodious, powerful, yet deep and ancient song reached Qin Wan’s ears.

At first, Qin Wan couldn’t hear clearly, but later, the song grew louder, and soon, Qin Wan made out the lyrics…

“How can we say we have no clothes? We share the same armor. The king raises his army, we repair our spears and halberds. We share the same enemies.”

“How can we say we have no clothes? We share the same fortune. The king raises his army, we repair our spears and pikes. We work together.”

“How can we say we have no clothes? We share the same garments…”

The song grew louder as if more and more people were joining in. The soldiers’ songs weren’t gentle; on the contrary, they carried a kind of desolate sorrow. As Qin Wan listened, she quickly got up to change clothes. This was an ancient war song, telling of the life-and-death brotherhood among military soldiers. Hot blood surged in Qin Wan’s heart as she hurried out. Outside, only Bai Ying was on guard, and seeing Qin Wan emerge, she quickly stood up too.

“Princess Consort, did you sleep well?”

Qin Wan nodded and walked out, “Where is the singing coming from?”

Bai Ying quickly said, “Tonight is the military feast. This afternoon, General Chu reorganized the troops and dealt with some people who had been bought off by Lin Xu Gui. Now the army’s morale has just been settled. His Highness and General Chu are all at the training ground, rewarding everyone.”

These past six months had indeed been difficult for the Shuo Xi army’s officers and soldiers. Seeing this, Qin Wan said, “Let’s go quietly and take a look.”

Bai Ying nodded and followed Qin Wan toward the training ground in the southwest. The closer they got, the louder the song became. The song was already stirring and tragic, and now with thousands of troops singing together, the scene was even more heart-shaking. Qin Wan and Bai Ying reached the edge of the training ground and saw clusters of bonfires lit across it. The soldiers, wearing thick uniforms, sat on the ground, each with some rough food before them.

Though the food was coarse, tonight everyone had a cup of wine to drink, so the soldiers’ spirits were higher. After finishing the first song, they began a second. The men’s unified, powerful voices echoed across the training ground, moving even a young woman like Qin Wan.

Looking across the extremely spacious square, Qin Wan immediately saw the high platform to the north of the training ground. Now on that platform, there were also seats set up, but no one was sitting. Everyone stood before the high platform, seemingly watching the scene of tonight’s military celebration. Qin Wan vaguely saw Yan Chi’s particularly striking figure.

“Princess Consort, His Highness has issued a proclamation allowing all officers and soldiers to stay or leave as they wish. Before noon tomorrow, anyone who reports their departure can take ten times their military salary as compensation for their years of hard work. This time is not ordinary combat, so many still have doubts in their hearts.”

Qin Wan’s brow furrowed slightly, but looking at the distant figure, she said firmly, “Not many will leave! If I were them, I would also choose to follow such a king!”