At dawn, Gu Ling and Yu Qi gathered in Yan Chi’s study. Zhang Dongxuan recounted the previous night’s stargazing observation once again. Yan Chi then said, “The Rong people’s army suddenly leaving their tribal lands was extremely strange. I’ve been troubled by this matter for days. Today I woke up very early, and when I picked up the military texts to read, things seemed increasingly wrong. Such an alarming thought occurred to me. Just as this thought emerged and I was about to head to the study, I encountered Daoist Zhang, whose words largely matched my deductions.”

Yan Chi looked at Gu Ling and Yu Qi, saying, “The Northern Border has been guarded by the Northern Garrison Army for years. Now that the Northern Garrison has moved south for over three to four months if the barbarians had left scouts at Mount Canglong in the south, they would have surely sent word back by now. These few months would have been enough time for the barbarians and the Rong people to conspire and move south together.”

Gu Ling and Yu Qi had been roused from sleep, knowing it must be a major matter. Yet they hadn’t anticipated such significant news. Even these two experienced individuals were struck speechless after hearing Yan Chi and Zhang Dongxuan’s words.

Yan Chi ordered, “Yu Qi, send word to the north immediately. If this theory is true, we should receive news within three to five days. However, no one likely anticipated the Rong people would invade from Mount Canglong.” After a brief pause, Yan Chi continued, “Send a secret message to Marquis Anyang immediately, informing him of the Rong people’s movements.”

Yu Qi finally regained some composure and quickly agreed, but hesitated, “Sending word to Marquis Anyang is certainly good, but will he believe it?”

Given that Marquis Anyang and Yan Chi were now on opposing sides, while Yan Chi’s intention to notify him was good, what would be the Marquis’s response?

Yan Chi waved his hand, “Don’t overthink this. Marquis Anyang is no ordinary court official; he certainly values military intelligence. Moreover, if my assessment is correct, this could be a catastrophe for the Great Zhou. Marquis Anyang surely won’t stand idly by.”

Yu Qi quickly nodded, and Yan Chi turned to Gu Ling, “Deploy troops to Meng Prefecture immediately. Though Meng Prefecture’s northwest is all snow valleys and high peaks, we can’t rule out the Rong people attacking there. We still don’t know exactly where the Rong people are, but if one travels southwest from Cang Prefecture, one first reaches Wu Prefecture and then Meng Prefecture. It’s better to make preparations early.”

Gu Ling said thoughtfully, “I fear the Commander of Meng Prefecture won’t agree to our troops entering their territory.”

Hearing this, Yan Chi gave a cold laugh, “If we went today, they certainly wouldn’t agree. But by the time our people reach Meng Prefecture, at least three to five days will have passed. By then, they’ll probably be begging us to station our entire army there…”

Meng Prefecture borders Western Shuo, and most of Meng Prefecture’s residents are migrants from Upper Shuo. Why did they move to Meng Prefecture? It was because they feared the Rong people. Now, if the Rong people truly made such a wide detour from the northwest, they would naturally be terrified, and with the imperial court thousands of miles away, only the Shuo Western Army could save them!

Gu Ling and Yu Qi immediately went to relay the orders. Without definite news, they couldn’t make further arrangements; they could only hope the news would come quickly.

When Qin Wan woke up, she learned of this matter and hurriedly came to the study. She found Yan Chi sitting behind his desk with a grave expression, while Gu Ling and Yu Qi had gone to carry out their duties. Seeing Yan Chi’s poor complexion, Qin Wan approached him. Yan Chi sighed, pulled Qin Wan onto his lap, and embraced her while leaning against her to rest his eyes. Qin Wan stroked Yan Chi’s black hair, “No wonder the Rong army couldn’t be found anywhere – they took such a route. Such a wide detour, how could the North have anticipated it? Moreover, with the Northern Garrison having moved south, Cang Prefecture is empty. Even the barbarians alone would be unstoppable, let alone with the addition of the Rong tribe.”

Qin Wan sighed, “News will likely arrive in a few days. How will you decide?”

Yan Chi’s arms tightened around Qin Wan’s waist, “Let’s wait for the news first.”

Though Yan Chi said this, Qin Wan sympathetically stroked his shoulders. They had just established new offices in Western Lin and added the Northern and Eastern Camps, making the defense of Western Shuo seemingly watertight. Yet no one could have anticipated that trouble would arise from the north.

Western Lin and Cang Prefecture, one in the north and one in the west, were neither near nor far, and the Rong people might still move south through the northwest. How could Yan Chi simply stand by?

After sitting in the study for a while, Qin Wan arranged breakfast. Although the news was earth-shattering, Qin Wan maintained her usual demeanor, continuing to manage the prince’s mansion meticulously inside and out. Meanwhile, Yan Chi frequently went out, either to the government offices or the Northern Camp. The next day, Chu Feisheng and Xiao Cheng arrived, and upon hearing the news, were equally shocked. After four anxious days of waiting, the long-awaited news finally arrived.

Late at night, a heavy silence filled the study of the Rui Prince’s mansion.

The intelligence network Yan Chi had established in the north sent comprehensive news about Cang Prefecture, Feng Prefecture, and Chong Prefecture. The message had taken three days to reach Western Shuo.

Chu Feisheng heaved a long sigh and couldn’t help striking the armrest of his chair, “What a catastrophe! True catastrophe! Cang Prefecture had just recovered after decades, and now all those years of accumulation have been destroyed again! Out of tens of thousands, barely a thousand escaped. Such a tragedy! If blame must be assigned, it truly falls on Zhao You’s head. I wonder if he’ll have the face to meet the people of Cang Prefecture in the underworld. The Northern Garrison’s peaceful guard at Mount Canglong these years was inseparable from the welfare of Cang Prefecture’s people. He… ah!”

Since Chu Feisheng didn’t know why the Empress had rebelled, he naturally placed all blame on Zhao You. Yan Chi heard this but didn’t comment. Like Western Shuo, when someone has been stationed in a place for half their life, the people and city become their responsibility. Now that Cang Prefecture had been massacred, Zhao You deserving blame wasn’t unjust.

Gu Ling said, “The Empress has withdrawn her troops to Chong Prefecture, and Marquis Anyang has stationed his forces in Feng Prefecture. By now, news has probably been sent back to the imperial court. Marquis Anyang only has seventy or eighty thousand troops – how can he resist both the Rong people and the barbarians?! Will the Empress help?”

Yu Qi gave a bitter smile at these words, “How could she help? Our Empress matches any man in capability, and when she’s ruthless, she’s even fiercer than men. This retreat is meant to let Marquis Anyang suffer several brutal battles first. Not only won’t she help, she might even do something else.”

Seeing everyone’s discussion, Xiao Cheng only asked, “The Rong people’s women, children, and elderly are still in their tribal lands. Taking the Mount Canglong route must have taken them several months. Now that they’ve broken through Cang Prefecture, they surely won’t easily return the same way. I believe they’re likely to come southwest.”

This point had been predicted earlier. Yan Chi looked at everyone, “What do you think?”

Chu Feisheng struck his armrest again, “Of course we fight! These sons of bitches! Previously, they only dared harass from outside the borders, never daring to face us head-on. Now they’ve made a detour and caught Cang Prefecture off guard. Do they think Great Zhou has no one left?! Wu Prefecture and Meng Prefecture are in the northwest – if anyone should occupy them, it should be us. How can we let these foreign wolves take them!”

Gu Ling and Yu Qi exchanged glances, and Gu Ling said, “Of course, we must defend. The Rong people are insatiable. Now that they’ve broken into our territory for the first time, they won’t stop unless we contain them. When that happens, it’s the common people who will suffer. However…”

He paused, then continued, “The timing of deploying troops needs consideration.”

Before Gu Ling finished, Yu Qi added, “We are now thorns on the imperial court’s side. At this point, we should still be cautious. The imperial court isn’t without fighting capability – don’t they still have the Western Expedition Army prepared? If we rush in to take the blow, and then face the imperial court’s Western Expedition Army on our return, wouldn’t we be digging our own grave? Your subordinate feels we should observe a bit longer.”

Xiao Cheng thought for a moment, then looked at Yan Chi, “Your Highness, your subordinate will act according to your orders. Currently, whether we deploy immediately or observe further, there are both advantages and disadvantages. Your subordinate cannot determine which is right or wrong. Please make the decision, Your Highness!”

With this, the others also agreed, leaving the decision to Yan Chi.

Yan Chi pondered only briefly before saying, “Western Shuo has been through such hardships. The ordinary soldiers from poor families aside, you all could have left long ago. Yet, why do you still follow me today?”

Yu Qi and the others’ expressions changed slightly, though understanding showed in their eyes.

Seeing their looks, Yan Chi smiled faintly, “This battle, whether against the Rong people or the barbarians, is the fight we’ve long awaited. This message was sent three days ago, and several more days have passed. Perhaps the Rong people have already reached Wu Prefecture, or Feng Prefecture may have fallen. In military matters, circumstances change in an instant. We have no reason to wait for the right moment. If we lose this battle, then even if we stayed in Western Shuo without deploying troops, we would still lose when the imperial court’s Western Expedition Army arrived. If we win this battle, even if the imperial court’s Western Expedition Army takes advantage to occupy Western Shuo, how could we not take it back? The Western Shuo Army’s spirit stands on strength. My decision is this: organize the army tomorrow, and deploy the day after! We won’t wait idly!”

Yan Chi’s words stirred everyone’s blood, and they immediately stood up.

Chu Feisheng clasped his fists and said, “Your subordinate requests to fight!”

Yu Qi and the others quickly followed suit, “We also request to fight—”

Seeing their reaction, Yan Chi smiled again, “Though we embrace the certainty of victory, we cannot underestimate this campaign. I plan to lead the troops personally.”

Chu Feisheng’s brows furrowed slightly, “But Your Highness, Western Shuo is now independent, and you are its backbone…”

Just as Yan Huai would never personally lead troops if Yan Chi were to lead the army, wouldn’t it be equivalent to a royal campaign? This was extremely risky.

However, Yan Chi stated unequivocally, “The Rong people have long been a plague to both Great Zhou and Western Shuo. Since they’ve gone to such lengths this time, and we’re taking the risk of deploying troops, we must ensure they never return, eliminating this threat to Western Shuo. This is my true intention in personally leading the army!”

After Yan Chi’s words, the others were momentarily speechless. Even with Chu Feisheng leading the troops, victory wasn’t guaranteed. To achieve victory and conclude quickly, having Yan Chi personally lead was indeed the best. Everyone’s spirits soared – the last time they had fought alongside Yan Chi was two years ago!

Yu Qi smiled, “Excellent! Fighting under Your Highness is most exhilarating! Please give your orders, Your Highness. How shall we deploy?”

During these days of waiting for news, Yan Chi had considered all possibilities, so the deployment plan was already set. He spoke solemnly, “The Bailang Pass garrison remains unchanged to guard against any other moves by the Rong people. The main camp will retain ten thousand troops under Huo Qi’s command. This campaign will take at least three months, possibly half a year, and bandits within Western Shuo’s borders need constant supervision. The Eastern Camp will keep ten thousand troops, temporarily under Zhou You’s command, to prevent unrest in Ding Prefecture and Liang Prefecture. Western Lin City needs only its original five thousand garrison troops under their current commander. Master Qi and Dong Shuwen will remain in Western Lin, responsible for military supplies and provisions. Everyone else will join me in battle!”

Seeing that Yan Chi wasn’t taking all the troops, everyone’s last concerns about Western Shuo faded. Thinking about fighting the Rong people under Yan Chi’s command, their blood naturally surged. After outlining the general plan, Yan Chi instructed each person to relay military orders. Orders issued now would reach their destinations tomorrow, allowing deployment the day after. The main camp, Eastern Camp, and Northern Camp would all march through Meng Prefecture, following the northwest route northward, engaging the Rong people when encountered.

After finalizing everything, it was past the midnight hour. Yu Qi and the others quickly departed, and Yan Chi summoned Master Qi and others to discuss military supplies and provisions. These discussions lasted until late at night. During this time, Qin Wan continuously sent in snacks and fruits, seeming unaware of his decision. However, when Yan Chi returned to the East Court, he found his armor and other items already prepared, and even Qin Wan’s belongings were packed. Only Fuling stood at the door with reddened eyes.

Seeing this scene upon his return, but not seeing Qin Wan, Fuling said with teary eyes, “The Princess Consort is bathing.”

Yan Chi looked at Fuling, “Why are you crying?”

Fuling lowered her head resentfully, “The Princess Consort said… I can’t go again this time… wuwuwu…”

Though Yan Chi felt sorry for Fuling, he didn’t say much. Entering the bathhouse, he found Qin Wan indeed resting in the bathtub. Bai Ying had just finished washing her hair and quickly withdrew upon seeing Yan Chi enter. He walked to the bathtub and took a soft towel to dry Qin Wan’s exposed shoulders.

Qin Wan opened her eyes, “All finished discussing?”

It was late at night, and though Qin Wan’s eyes showed fatigue, they became clear upon seeing Yan Chi.

Yan Chi nodded, “Yes, it’s done.”

Qin Wan turned to lean on the tub’s edge, “I’ve prepared everything for you.”

Yan Chi replied, “I saw.”

While speaking, Yan Chi wiped her back, and Qin Wan stood up. Yan Chi fetched fresh clothes from the side, drying her body while helping her dress. Suddenly, Yan Chi said, “I truly don’t wish to leave you here.”

Qin Wan burst out laughing, “We’re barely past our first year of marriage, I don’t want to be apart from you for half a year.”

A smile touched Yan Chi’s lips. After Qin Wan was dressed, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the inner chamber, setting her before the dressing mirror to dry her hair.

“But this journey will be extremely difficult, and I can’t bear to see you suffer.”

Qin Wan stretched out her arm, “I’ve long expected we would face more warfare. These daily morning exercises and horseback riding have changed me from before. Look, my arms have grown much stronger.”

Yan Chi gently squeezed her arm, responding with a vague smile. Qin Wan continued, “That day when we learned of trouble in the north, I knew you would deploy troops quickly. No one cares more than you do, especially with both the Rong people and barbarians coming.”

Yan Chi’s smile grew more relaxed. He had never been one for many words, and Qin Wan understood him in everything, requiring no explanation.

After drying her hair, Yan Chi carried Qin Wan to bed and then went to wash up himself. Soon he returned to the inner chamber and lay down, embracing Qin Wan. She nestled in his arms and said, “We still have tomorrow. I’ll arrange the household properly and leave Fuling to watch over the mansion.”

Yan Chi made a sound of agreement, but his hands grew restless. Qin Wan trembled at his touch and burrowed deeper into his embrace, “We’re deploying tomorrow, how can you make mischief?”

Yan Chi rolled over, pinning her beneath him, “After tomorrow, we’ll be traveling hard, and I won’t have the heart to tire you. Today, let me tease you one last time…”

“I don’t believe you.” Qin Wan gave a soft moan, naturally unable to resist Yan Chi’s teasing. Soon, she was lost in passion.

After their lovemaking, Qin Wan immediately fell into a deep sleep, but Yan Chi remained wide awake. In the dim light from the corner lamp, he gazed at Qin Wan’s features, thinking of how she had followed him on such a long journey to Western Shuo, never complaining about the crude local customs and practices. Whatever difficulties arose, she met them with a smile, without a word of complaint. In just half a year here, she seemed to have truly made this place her home. Yet Yan Chi knew she couldn’t get used to the local tea steeped in hard water, nor could she truly adapt to the cutting winds. There were many such things, but she never made them into issues. Now with the army mobilizing, she had again quietly prepared everything.

Yan Chi held Qin Wan tightly, his heart heavy with remorse.