When Qin Wan arrived at the military camp, Yan Chi was just walking out of the central command tent. Yu Qi and others followed beside Yan Chi. Seeing Qin Wan, they all bowed in greeting. Qin Wan smiled and told everyone to dispense with formalities. The officers departed to inspect the troops while Yan Chi took Qin Wan’s hand and asked, “Why did you come?”

Qin Wan replied, “I was waiting for you to have a meal. After waiting so long without your return, I came to check on you.”

Their official residence was not far from the military camp, making it convenient for Qin Wan to visit. As it was not yet noon, Yan Chi accompanied Qin Wan back to their residence. Upon arriving, the meal was already prepared. While eating, Yan Chi said, “Afternoon, once I leave, I won’t be returning—”

Upon hearing these words, Qin Wan’s chopsticks immediately stopped. “What do you mean you won’t be returning?”

Yan Chi was startled. Seeing Qin Wan’s face darken, he realized his words were ill-chosen. He quickly laughed, “Alright, alright, I misspoke. What I meant was, until our great victory, I won’t return. I likely won’t be back until early tomorrow morning. After I leave, please wait for me at the residence.”

Although they had planned to attack at night, the barbarian forces were stationed forty li outside the city. They needed to set up an ambush near the barbarian camp early, which meant departing after noon. Once the fighting began at night, they would likely be engaged the entire night, so their return would naturally be after daybreak.

Qin Wan understood these matters, but now found herself unable to eat.

Seeing that Qin Wan had stopped eating, Yan Chi sighed, “What’s wrong? There’s no need to worry. Today is our first battle—you should trust me. Please eat more.”

Qin Wan couldn’t taste anything, watching silently as Yan Chi finished two bowls of rice. She then went to prepare his armor. When Yan Chi entered the inner chamber shortly after, he saw Qin Wan’s face had turned deathly pale. He embraced her from behind and said, “Don’t worry. Today is just a minor engagement. I’ve been through countless battles far more dangerous than this.”

Qin Wan felt a sting in her nose and turned to bury herself in Yan Chi’s embrace, her voice slightly hoarse: “When I first met you, I knew you were a war demon. I thought that even against thousands of troops, you would be invincible. In the half-year since our marriage, although you’ve held the title of Commander of the Northwest Army, there hasn’t been any major conflict. Now, I finally understand the feelings of those wives who send their husbands to war. Even knowing you’re like a war god, I’m still terrified.”

Yan Chi had been treating today as merely a minor skirmish, thinking of it as their first battle that they would certainly win. He had no concerns about the military situation. However, he hadn’t expected this small engagement would cause such turmoil in Qin Wan’s heart. Qin Wan had performed autopsies and examined bones—when had she ever shown weakness? Yet today, even her voice had grown hoarse.

Yan Chi felt as if someone had pricked his heart, his chest tight with bitterness. “My dear Guan, everyone knows I’m fierce in battle, and no one worries about me. Only you care so much. I understand, but you needn’t be afraid. In the past, I led troops with reckless valor, but now that I have you, I won’t take unnecessary risks. If I return missing even a single strand of hair, you may punish me however you wish. How does that sound?”

This was the first time Qin Wan was sending Yan Chi to battle, so her feelings were particularly intense. She had become somewhat emotional, but after their time together, their relationship had grown far deeper than before their marriage. Qin Wan no longer maintained her composure around him. Hearing his words, she gave a light snort, “Then I should count how many strands of hair you have first, otherwise how would I know if any are missing?”

Yan Chi laughed heartily, pulling Qin Wan into his embrace and bending down to kiss her.

The kiss was deep and lingering, as if he wanted to steal all her breath. Qin Wan’s waist weakened, her heart burning with both warmth and sorrow, her eyelashes growing damp. After kissing her for a long while, Yan Chi finally released her. Seeing the moisture in her eyes, he felt a surge of heartache. “Seeing you like this, I’m reluctant to even leave.”

Qin Wan was the strongest woman in the world, yet now she worried to this extent. Seeing her this way, Yan Chi suddenly had an epiphany. If she was so concerned over this first, minor battle, would he make her worry like this every time in the future?

Yan Chi held Qin Wan tightly, feeling a sense of guilt rising within him.

If there were a way to end all wars forever, he would certainly pursue it!

Yan Chi repeatedly comforted her, and Qin Wan released the anxiety and worry in her heart. Seeing that time was running short and not wanting to delay him, she carefully helped Yan Chi put on his armor. Yan Chi watched as she bent her back to secure his belt and carefully tucked his trouser legs into his boots. Unable to restrain himself, he once again pulled her into his embrace.

He, who had always been decisive when going to battle, today felt a thousand silken threads in his heart, melancholy turning him sentimental like a woman.

“Alright, alright, I won’t delay you any longer. You should go now. The battlefield changes in an instant. Although you’re brave and skilled in battle, as you said, remember that I’m here waiting for your return. I have only you now. If anything happens to you, I will never forgive you!”

Qin Wan pretended to be fierce, but Yan Chi’s heart softened again. He hugged Qin Wan tightly, then steeled himself and said, “I’m going now. Trust me and wait for me.”

Qin Wan nodded. Yan Chi strode out of the inner chamber. After he left, Qin Wan couldn’t help but redden around her eyes. Though she had imagined sending Yan Chi to battle someday, now that the day had arrived, it was far harder to face than she had anticipated.

Qin Wan remained in the inner chamber for a long time, until Bai Ying entered out of concern. Seeing Qin Wan’s slightly reddened eyes, she quickly said, “My lady, please don’t worry. His Highness is most skilled in warfare and won’t encounter any problems. You need only wait for news of His Highness’s triumphant return.”

Qin Wan nodded and smiled bitterly, “I thought sending troops to battle wouldn’t be so difficult. Now I truly understand the feeling.”

Bai Ying kept Qin Wan company, trying to distract her. After a while, they suddenly heard wave after wave of military drums and long horns from the direction of the camp. The mournful, ancient melody spread throughout the entire Wu Prefecture. Qin Wan abruptly stood up from her chair and rushed out the government office door. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw all the citizens of Wu Prefecture seeing off the army. At the front, the vanguard was marching in neat formation toward the city gates. As commander, Yan Chi naturally led from the front. Realizing that Yan Chi had already left the city, Qin Wan’s throat tightened, but she couldn’t bear to return inside. She only returned to her quarters after watching the entire army leave Wu Prefecture, her lips pressed tightly together.

Qin Wan knew she needed only to wait for news of Yan Chi’s victorious return, but waiting itself was unbearable, especially when Yan Chi faced such danger!

Soon, Qin Wan became restless. The army had just left, and she went to the field hospital. Not one to wallow in misery, she thought finding something to do might help the time pass more quickly. However, upon seeing the wounded soldiers, she couldn’t help but think of Yan Chi. When she saw the severely injured with amputated limbs, it became even more unbearable. Though she kept busy all afternoon, her heart felt as if it were being fried in oil!

When Yan Chi had gone to Qian Prefecture before, it was far away, and she hadn’t yet witnessed a real battlefield. Although she had worried then, her trust and admiration for Yan Chi’s military prowess had prevented her from feeling this level of distress. Today, however, she could hardly maintain her composure.

Yesterday, when they arrived at Wu Prefecture, there were numerous barbarian corpses beneath the city wall, and the top of the wall was a sea of blood, filled with bodies of Zhou people. The cruelty of war was right before her eyes, dispelling any last, hopeful illusions she might have harbored! This was war—death and bloodshed accompanying everyone who experienced it at every moment!

“My lady, it’s time for dinner!”

Qin Wan had spent the entire afternoon helping in the field hospital. Unlike yesterday when she could still joke with the soldiers, today she hadn’t smiled once. Everyone could see her worry. Many soldiers who wanted to see her seemed to sense something and dared not act improperly. After working in such a depressed state until evening, Qin Wan hadn’t even thought about eating.

She now had no appetite whatsoever. “I won’t eat. I’m not hungry at all.”

Bai Ying sighed, “My lady, you should eat something. If you don’t eat, how will you last until tomorrow morning? His Highness would be heartbroken to see you like this.”

Qin Wan hesitated for a moment before following Bai Ying to eat. She was still dressed as a man today. Gu Ling, who had stayed behind, had specially arranged a separate tent for her in the field hospital. Seeing that tonight’s dinner had some meat and vegetables, she knew Gu Ling had done this deliberately. Nevertheless, she could only eat mechanically, finishing just one bowl of rice before stopping.

After eating, the wounded soldiers in the field hospital retired early to recuperate. With nothing left to do, Qin Wan first returned to the residence to change her blood-stained clothes, then became restless again. At the third watch, Bai Ying couldn’t help but advise Qin Wan, “My lady, please rest early. Tomorrow morning, we can go to the city wall to wait.”

Qin Wan smiled bitterly, “I fear I won’t be able to sleep. I wonder if the families of other soldiers feel the same way.”

Bai Ying sighed, “Of course they do. The first time is especially difficult, but it gets easier later.”

Qin Wan shook her head helplessly, “It won’t get easier unless there are no more wars in the world.”

Bai Ying had no choice but to repeatedly urge Qin Wan to rest early. Qin Wan reluctantly lay down, but her mind was in turmoil. How could she truly sleep? After dozing off briefly, she suddenly awoke and asked Bai Ying what time it was. Hearing it was only the hour of the Ox (1-3 AM), she dozed off again drowsily. After sleeping for another half hour, she could no longer rest and got up to wash. Seeing it was not yet dawn outside, she decided to go wait at the city gate.

Bai Ying, who had come from the Northwest, also felt fear about the war and was genuinely worried. She did not try to stop Qin Wan. The two women rode horses, accompanied by Zhao Yan and other guards, and arrived early at the city wall. Blood stains from previous fighting remained on the wall. Qin Wan climbed up, and despite the biting morning wind, it couldn’t suppress her hopeful heart.

It was a night without stars or moon. At this hour, the soldiers on the city wall were drowsy. A few torches flickered uncertainly in the night wind, making Qin Wan feel even more anxious and unmoored. Looking as far as she could see, there wasn’t a single shadow on the plains outside the city. She had no idea when Yan Chi would return!

The officer guarding the city wall wanted to persuade Qin Wan to leave, but thinking of the deep affection between her and Yan Chi, he began to think of his wife instead. The soldiers below the wall, half-asleep, heard that the Princess Consort had arrived and all climbed up to the wall. Knowing she had come to wait for the Prince’s return, they too were moved.

The night grew darker, and Qin Wan stood on the city wall with her body frozen stiff. After waiting for more than half an hour, Gu Ling received the news and hurried over.

Previously, Gu Ling had thought Qin Wan was just an ordinary noble lady from the capital, but after seeing her examine corpses, he developed great respect for her and dared not show any negligence. Seeing that the wind was strong on the city wall, he said, “My lady, please rest below the wall. It’s too cold here. I fear for your health.”

Qin Wan shook her head, “Don’t try to persuade me. I am the best doctor in the world.”

Hearing this, Gu Ling smiled and said, “Indeed. In that case, allow this humble general to keep the Princess Consort company while we wait.”

Under heaven, few people dared claim to be the best doctor, yet Qin Wan could say it without hesitation. Gu Ling was only two years older than Yan Chi. Standing slightly behind Qin Wan, his gaze fell on her profile. Throughout their journey, Qin Wan’s attire had long lost the elaborate elegance of the capital. Today, she wore only a plain robe with a moon-white cloak over it. Looking at her, Gu Ling felt increasingly amazed. Qin Wan seemed to embody two extremes—extreme gentleness and beauty, alongside extreme resilience and determination. This gave her an almost magical quality, drawing the eye wherever she stood, making one want to look more and more…

Qin Wan had been staring outside the city, but suddenly feeling something amiss, she turned her head and asked, “Does General Gu have something to say?”

Gu Ling quickly withdrew his gaze, only then realizing his impropriety. He hastily said, “No, I just wanted to reassure you. His Highness is the most formidable among all our officers. In all these years, he has never suffered a defeat. Please put your mind at ease.”

Qin Wan smiled and shook her head, “You all probably regard him as a true war god, but he is my husband, and I know he is not made of steel and iron.”

Since Gu Ling was one of their own, Qin Wan spoke frankly. Hearing her words, Gu Ling couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. No wonder their normally imperious Prince cherished the Princess Consort so deeply. They shared a profound love, and both were admirable figures—truly a match made in heaven. Thinking this, Gu Ling couldn’t help wanting to look at Qin Wan again. Upon realizing this thought, he secretly gave himself a mental punch, forcing himself to regain his composure.

They continued waiting until the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon. By then, the city wall was crowded with people, and the street below was filled with citizens who had come out early to wait. Today’s expedition included ten thousand troops stationed in Wu Prefecture. Most of these soldiers’ families were in Wu Prefecture, so these citizens were waiting for their loved ones to return.

After standing for a long while, suddenly Gu Ling, with his sharp eyes, exclaimed, “Look!”

His shout awakened everyone’s senses. Qin Wan quickly stepped forward, her body almost leaning out past the battlements. Looking out, she indeed saw a fluttering flag waving in the morning breeze. The sky was still deep blue, and though the view was extremely blurry, Qin Wan knew that Yan Chi had returned! Yan Chi was returning with the army!

The formation became visible from five li away. As daylight grew stronger, the troops drew nearer, and the leader became increasingly clear. Everyone wore similar military uniforms, and even Yan Chi’s armor was dark blue-black. However, he rode at the front of the troops, drawing attention. He galloped toward them like a pillar supporting the sky, so imposing, so soul-stirring!

Qin Wan couldn’t help but grip the blue stone of the wall tightly, her heart clenching.

Although she could see Yan Chi, she couldn’t tell if he was injured…

Soon, the troops reached the city wall. Suddenly, cheers like mountain thunder erupted from above and below the wall, celebrating the army’s victorious return. Watching this, Qin Wan grew impatient and quickly turned to descend. Seeing this, Gu Ling immediately ordered the other soldiers to make way for her, escorting her down.

Seeing that the city gate was still closed, Gu Ling commanded, “Open the city gate! Welcome His Highness’s return!”

The soldiers then opened the heavy city gate. As it swung open, Yan Chi, leading the army, was already very close!

Seeing the army’s return, Qin Wan’s heart hung suspended, but she didn’t walk forward. Outside, Yan Chi, covered in blood and grime, also saw Qin Wan. His eyes immediately brightened, and he spurred his horse faster through the city gate. He rode to near where Qin Wan stood, quickly dismounting. As soon as he was off his horse, Qin Wan flew into his arms like a butterfly!

The soldiers inside and outside the city all cheered. Qin Wan, hearing the deafening cheers, finally came to her senses. Her face instantly flushed crimson, and she hurriedly tried to withdraw from Yan Chi’s embrace, but he held her firmly. Nearby, Yu Qi and others entered the city amid the clamor, shouting, “Last night His Highness led the army to victory! We annihilated over twenty thousand barbarians!”

At these words, the crowd cheered even louder, shouting in unison, “His Highness is mighty! His Highness is mighty!”

A smile appeared on Yan Chi’s face as he finally released Qin Wan. Ignoring everything else, she quickly asked, “Were you injured?”

Yan Chi whispered in her ear, “Not even a single strand of hair was lost.”

As he spoke, he squeezed her hand firmly.

Qin Wan’s ears grew warm. Knowing he still had military matters to attend to, she dared not delay him and quickly urged him to take his troops into camp. She moved aside, mounted her horse, and returned directly to their residence. Bai Ying followed all the way. Upon returning, Qin Wan ordered the preparation of lunch. Today’s victory meant the army would likely improve their rations, but she wanted to dine with Yan Chi. When noon came, Yan Chi indeed returned, still in his armor. Seeing this, Qin Wan felt great concern. She helped him change while asking Bai Ying to serve the meal.

Just as Qin Wan removed his armor, Yan Chi pulled her into his embrace, nibbling on her earlobe and asking, “Did I keep my promise?”

Qin Wan, having anxiously waited all night like oil in a frying pan, was now eager for Yan Chi’s closeness. She embraced him, allowing his teasing, “I suppose you did keep your promise.”

Hearing this, Yan Chi chuckled lightly and was about to release her when Qin Wan clung to him, not letting go, standing on tiptoe to kiss him. How could Yan Chi withstand this? He grabbed her tightly in his arms, turned, and pressed her against a nearby cabinet. “I was going to wash up first, but you tempt me so…”

Qin Wan, caught in his counterattack, became dizzy with desire, gasping, “I… I don’t want you to hold back. I worried all night, not knowing how I endured.”

It was precisely because she had worried too much that now, with Yan Chi’s return, she couldn’t help wanting to be close to him. Only thus could she feel that Yan Chi was alive and completely unharmed. The two quickly entwined together. Yan Chi had refrained from bothering Qin Wan for several days out of concern for her exhaustion, but now, though it was broad daylight, he couldn’t resist anymore. Both harboring intense emotions, though they had been separated for only a day and night, it felt as if they had been apart for half a year. Soon, sounds that invited fantasy could be heard from the inner chamber.