Not long after nightfall, chaos erupted in the camp led by the Barbarian King. Voices speaking various languages rang out from all directions—

“The Great Wei army is attacking!”

“Wake up, don’t sleep! Our camp is under attack by the Wei army!”

However, after three consecutive days of harassment, the soldiers of the diplomatic mission camp had lost interest. During these past few days, though the Wei army kept coming to harass them, their forces were extremely weak and couldn’t achieve much.

Moreover, tonight the Barbarian King had led a large army to attack the Wei forces. If the Barbarian King won, these minor losses at the camp would be insignificant.

The soldiers cursed and grumbled, lazily and carelessly taking up their weapons to meet the enemy. However, upon going out, they discovered fires breaking out in all four directions of the camp, with dark shadows darting about. When they met face to face, the Wei forces, unlike the previous two days, didn’t retreat but engaged directly in combat!

The camp’s soldiers suddenly realized that this time the Wei army had launched a real, full-scale attack!

Various languages immediately became chaotic: “They’re after the grain supplies! Don’t let them steal it!”

“Quick, it is the Wei army! Brothers, let’s make sure they never leave!”

The languages were mixed, making communication extremely difficult. However, suddenly a general climbed to a high position and let out a long whistle, attracting the attention of the camp’s soldiers. Under the pitch-black night sky, a flag was planted on the corner tower, changing its waving pattern. As the flag continued to wave, order was restored in the Barbarian King’s camp, and they began organizing to resist the Wei forces.

That general exhausted himself personally waving the flag, finally getting the scattered troops to regroup. As he wiped his sweat, he suddenly sensed danger and looked back. In the piercing night wind, with a whooshing sound, a cold arrow broke through the night mist, shooting toward him as he waved the flag on the tower!

In his shock, this foreign general leaped outward, throwing down the flag in his hand, and shouted: “The Wei army’s mounted archers have arrived! We must not let our guard down!”

Among the Wei forces, Yan Shang lowered his bow.

The soldier beside him regretfully said with inexperience: “If this were a real battlefield, my lord’s arrow would have killed just now.”

Yan Shang shook his head with a smile: “If it were a real battlefield, I wouldn’t have been so reckless. However, the enemy learning to communicate with flag signals so quickly, using flags to replace their different languages, must be the Barbarian King’s idea.

“Even with the Barbarian King not in camp, they could gather the soldiers so quickly. He’s only been training troops for less than a month, yet it’s truly remarkable.”

In the darkness, Han Shuxing followed beside him. When enemy forces came to strike at the archers, Han Shuxing practically stuck to Yan Shang to protect his safety. Moving through the camp, Han Shuxing followed Yan Shang step by step.

Han Shuxing was specifically brought in by Mu Wanyao because he was originally from the Barbarian people, making him inconspicuous in this camp. When he was with Yan Shang and someone discovered that he didn’t seem to be from the Great Wei army before the enemy could react, Han Shuxing would strike first, either knocking them unconscious or forcing them to surrender.

The surrendered soldiers would always exclaim in surprise: “Who are you? You’re not from Great Wei. Why are you helping the Wei army? Has our army produced a traitor?”

Han Shuxing was tall and strong, with a scar across half his face, appearing fierce and intimidating. He ignored the enemy soldiers’ clamoring and continued following behind Yan Shang.

Yan Shang said: “It’s your turn to act.”

Han Shuxing cupped his fists: “Take care, my lord.”

After speaking, he turned without hesitation, his position behind filled by other Wei soldiers. Han Shuxing, using his foreign appearance, easily penetrated deep into the camp.

Han Shuxing’s build was similar to Meng Zai Shi’s, and in the pitch-black night battle, the enemy truly lacked central command. When Han Shuxing grabbed a general, he spoke harshly in the Barbarian language: “Forget about the grain! The enemy is attacking from the east, we’ll meet them there.”

The captured general asked in surprise: “Barbarian King? Weren’t you going to ambush the Wei army?”

Taking advantage of everyone’s unfamiliarity with the Barbarian King, Han Shuxing impersonated that ruler, beginning to speak Wei language with deliberate awkwardness: “If everyone knew my whereabouts, there would be no need for me to command this battle.”

The captured general believed him without hesitation and turned to execute Han Shuxing’s orders.

Han Shuxing then infiltrated deeper into the camp, spreading rumors everywhere.

Though the army led by the Barbarian King guarding the camp was not weak, in the deep night, they were thrown into chaos. The tents storing grain supplies in the camp’s depths were set on fire, and while thick flames burned fiercely, they were still nobly engaging in direct conflict with the Wei forces.

Because the Barbarian King had said, don’t worry about the grain!

As long as they held the camp, the main force would come to support them soon!—

The drums beat intensely, and the horns sounded majestic.

Horses galloped in masses, raising dust and smoke. The thunderous drum beats lifted spirits as the Barbarian King led a large army. After gauging the Wei forces’ strength, he unhesitatingly chose to launch a night raid with his main force.

The night was disadvantageous for battle.

But precisely because it was disadvantageous, it became an advantage.

The Barbarian King arranged his cavalry formation, drew the long blade from his waist, and pointed directly toward the Wei army’s camp behind the tower. His heroic spirit infected everyone: “Men, charge with me—”

The army led by the Barbarian King was unstoppable, demolishing everything from the trenches the Wei army had dug before their temporary towers to the increasingly tall towers themselves. The enemy forces used every tool at hand—iron chains, fetters, spurs… With thunderous force, the Wei army could only retreat again and again.

Enemy cavalry broke into the city, and though the Wei forces resisted several times, they retreated each time. It was because Meng Zai Shi’s army was too powerful and their tactics mature. Many Wei soldiers lost their nerve just seeing the enemy’s fierce faces.

When Meng Zai Shi’s iron cavalry crossed the first trench, the Wei cavalry was still hurriedly forming ranks. However, as the enemy attacked too quickly before the cavalry formation was complete, they could only send infantry to engage.

But on the plains, cavalry was supreme.

Whether ten or hundred li, the distance made no difference to cavalry. On the battlefield, in the age of cold weapons, cavalry was the undisputed king.

However, cavalry needed to form ranks first and needed distance. Once there was no distance, cavalry couldn’t charge out.

Now the Wei forces were forced into such an awkward position by the Barbarian King’s army at their gates—the Barbarian King had come too quickly.

They had just received the news and begun forming ranks when the enemy cavalry had already charged to the towers. At such speed, the Wei forces couldn’t arrange their cavalry and could only meet the enemy cavalry with infantry and archers.

And in the night, archers’ effectiveness was very limited.

The infantry collapsed quickly under the cavalry’s onslaught.

The Wei forces were in danger!

Several generals guarding the position heard continuous reports of crisis from outside, their faces ashen. Although the central command’s orders were to let them lose, although they were here to buy time for Yan Shang… being defeated so quickly was still a heavy blow.

Losing so easily, without even putting up a decent resistance, the central command would surely blame them.

As the generals discussed, suddenly the tent flap was lifted, and a young lord’s voice came through: “Why aren’t you deploying the cavalry?”

They looked up to see Wei Shu.

Wei Shu had fine features, and this time he was solely responsible for managing supplies. Combined with Wei Shu’s quiet nature and rarely speaking, he was like an invisible person in the camp.

In the chaos, Wei Shu, this young lord who never concerned himself with their military affairs, lifted the curtain and entered to criticize them. The generals showed embarrassment on their faces and said: “The cavalry cannot form ranks, they can’t charge out. This is our military business, what do you know about it?”

Wei Shu ignored their doubts and said: “How can they not form ranks? Overturn all the camps, smash the pots and bowls in the rear, clear out the space, and won’t you be able to form ranks then?”

The generals were stunned.

Then they said: “You want to destroy the supply camp? What will we eat tomorrow?”

Wei Shu’s expression was cold: “I’ve already had some soldiers escape with some supplies. Even if all the grain, pots, and bowls are destroyed, as long as we make it through tomorrow noon, the military exercise will be over. It’s just half a day, no one will starve to death.”

The generals were all young talents, and at first, they simply hadn’t thought of such a desperate measure.

Now that Wei Shu suggested it, they weren’t incapable of making such decisions. They immediately slapped the table: “Good! Pass down the order to level and overturn the camp, form cavalry ranks! Tonight we shall have a real contest with the enemy here! Although we must lose, we can’t make it too easy for the Barbarian King!”

Having convinced the generals, Wei Shu left the tent and hurried to check on the supplies.

The enemy vanguard was now moving through the city, though the main force was still held back. But that likely wouldn’t last long. Wei Shu needed to hurry to move the supplies and leave space for their cavalry to charge.

As a logistics officer, he only needed to ensure there would be enough supplies tomorrow to prevent starvation.

Fires burned everywhere as both armies fought. Wei Shu avoided any fighting he saw, and with the protection of his accompanying soldiers, made his way toward the supply camp.

Suddenly, a long blade emerged from the darkness, swinging toward Wei Shu. Silent, with no one reacting. The blade’s cold, sharp intent only became apparent when it was close, forcing Wei Shu to look up in shock. The blade slashed horizontally, its wielder an imposing enemy speaking broken Great Wei language: “Surrender quickly!”

Wei Shu pressed his lips together in silence: at such a crucial moment, if he surrendered, who would be responsible for the supply camp?

He would surrender naturally, but not now.

Wei Shu remained silent, so the enemy didn’t stop his blade, slashing directly. Though the military exercise wouldn’t result in deaths, injuries were inevitable. Wei Shu stumbled backward under the blade’s pressure, and when several soldiers came to block, they were surrounded and dealt with by more enemy troops.

Wei Shu fell to the ground, and as the blade was about to cleave down at his head, he still refused to surrender. Just as the blade was about to pierce his chest, from an angle, suddenly a hand reached out and pulled Wei Shu up.

That person spun their body, bringing both palms together to block the incoming blade. After a delicate shout, they drew the blade at their waist to meet the enemy.

Weapons clashed, sparks flying.

The enemy made a surprised sound: “You’re a woman? A real man doesn’t fight women.”

Though this woman’s martial prowess was impressive, her voice was quite sweet: “Only those who can’t defeat a woman make such boasts!”

This suddenly appearing young lady was naturally Zhao Lingfei.

Zhao Lingfei held Wei Shu with one hand while meeting the enemy with the other. Unable to gain any advantage against her, the enemy retreated in fury. Zhao Lingfei turned back to look at Wei Shu.

Wei Shu’s expression remained cold and clear, touched with a frosted glow.

They spoke simultaneously—

Zhao Lingfei glared: “Why didn’t you just surrender?”

Wei Shu: “Where did you come from?”

Then they both froze.

Zhao Lingfei puffed her cheeks: “I’ve been following you! Second Brother Yan told me to protect you. Did you think I was so irresponsible that I’d just run away and leave you?”

Wei Shu stepped back, putting his hands behind him, turned his face slightly, pressed his lips together, and frowned with some complexity.

He thought in confusion: What did “been following him” mean? Did she know everything he did? He hadn’t done anything strange, had he?

The horn sounds became more urgent.

Hearing the rapid horn blasts, both Zhao Lingfei and Wei Shu looked up to listen. Then Wei Shu’s wrist was again grabbed by Zhao Lingfei as she spoke rapidly: “The enemy is charging the city again! Come with me—”

Wei Shu: “No. I must go to the supply camp.”

Zhao Lingfei: “At a time like this you’re still worried about supplies? There must be lots of enemies there, I can’t handle them all.”

Wei Shu didn’t speak.

Zhao Lingfei thought he agreed with her.

But when Zhao Lingfei merely released Wei Shu’s wrist to switch her blade to the other hand, Wei Shu turned and left. Looking in his direction, he was indeed heading to the supply camp, leaving Zhao Lingfei stunned.

Zhao Lingfei stamped her foot.

She shouted: “Hey— can’t you speak? Even if you must go, couldn’t you properly tell me… we’re partners, not enemies! Hey wait up, be careful or you’ll run straight into the Barbarian King’s hands, then I’ll have to save you!

“Say something! Why did Second Brother Yan make me guard such a clam? You’re suffocating me!”

Though grumbling and cursing, Zhao Lingfei still angrily chased after Wei Shu—

Standing on the high mountain, in less than half an hour of charging the city, the main force of the army led by the Barbarian King broke through the Wei army’s city gate.

Then as the gates split open, the Barbarian King’s army met the Wei cavalry.

Meng Zai Shi was completely fearless, taking the lead at the front to meet the enemy.

Battle fires and continuous white flags of surrender burned on the ground. Both sides fought with bloodshot eyes, deaths becoming unavoidable, but neither side cared anymore. While fighting fiercely, Meng Zai Shi received news that their camp was sending urgent reports, requesting the Barbarian King to return for support.

Meng Zai Shi said coldly: “Tell them to hold on.”

The messenger: “Your Majesty, we can’t hold… Second Young Master Yan is personally leading men to burn our army’s supplies, and someone is impersonating you. We were all deceived at first. Our losses are severe…”

Meng Zai Shi: “Wait until I resolve this side, then I’ll return to support. Seal this information, besides me, no one is allowed to spread this news. If anyone dares to disturb our army’s morale, I’ll treat them as a traitor!”

The Barbarian King stood firm, clearly willing to sacrifice severe losses to his camp to defeat the Wei forces. The messenger had no choice but to follow the king’s orders.

This battle continued for two hours, past midnight into the fourth day of the military exercise, before the Barbarian King finally accepted all the Wei forces’ surrender and won this battle.

Then without lingering, after dealing with the main army, the Barbarian King turned his horse and left, leading his troops to support his camp.

Between the two armies lay a pocket-shaped valley, facing toward the diplomatic mission’s army, easy to defend but difficult to attack. This valley was also the shortest route back to the camp. Meng Zai Shi only thought briefly before choosing this path.

Dense clouds blocked the moonlight above, trees in the forest cast deep shadows, and horses kicked up dust.

Several thousand cavalry followed Meng Zai Shi to reinforce the camp. But upon entering this valley, Meng Zai Shi at the front suddenly raised his arm and pulled his reins to stop his horse. His mount let out a long neigh, all four hooves splashing high, as Meng Zai Shi sat steadily on horseback, facing Yang Si, the Third Young Master Yang, who had come to block the road with just over a hundred men on the other side of the valley.

Meng Zai Shi glared: “Make way!”

Yang Si sat on his horse and casually laughed at the thousands of troops on the other side: “The grain isn’t completely burned yet, how could I possibly make way?

“But Barbarian King, you’ve been slow. You kept me waiting so long, I almost fell asleep.”

Meng Zai Shi: “Third Young Master Yang, you have only a hundred cavalry while my forces number over a thousand. Do you think you can stop me? Even with the terrain advantage, you can’t block me! Better surrender early to minimize losses. That way, when reporting to your leader, you’ll save some face.”

Yang Si lowered his eyes, an ambiguous smile floating on his face.

Slowly raising his head again, Yang Si’s gaze met Meng Zai Shi’s.

Both men’s eyes held killing intent, both remembering their unfinished battle at South Mountain.

Yang Si spoke word by word: “Too bad I don’t care about looking good in battle reports, I only want to fight the Barbarian King—Come on!”

As his words fell, he spurred his horse forward first, his men following closely behind. The Barbarian King’s side also didn’t hesitate, his hand waving down as thousands of troops charged out.

The two armies crashed together in the valley, with no moon above, perfect conditions for night battle!—

Using the terrain and extremely strong mobility, Yang Si managed to block the enemy forces trying to break out of the pocket-shaped valley position.

Yang Si fought with intense battle spirit, leading his troops magnificently. People constantly surrendered, and Yang Si’s hundred men were continuously pulled from their horses. But Yang Si pressed forward relentlessly, his heroic momentum terrifying the enemy forces, actually opening a gap in their ranks.

Meng Zai Shi: “Surround him! Shoot him off his horse! If we capture Third Young Master Yang alive, their side will collapse without a fight!”

Yang Si laughed loudly.

As the two sides fought, birds flew frantically from the forest. Such a young hero as Yang Si grew more vigorous as the battle continued. Dozens of cavalry surrounded him but couldn’t unhorse him. However, as time dragged on, Yang Si’s side was indeed outnumbered. In the chaos of arrows flying from all directions, they finally brought down Yang Si’s precious horse with a thunderous crash.

The enemy forces cheered: “He’s finally dismounted! Charge!”

Yang Si leaped from his horse, rolling on the ground to dodge the iron hooves trampling from all directions. Just as he rose, a horse raised its hooves to stomp him down, pressing him under. Even Meng Zai Shi’s expression changed, thinking if Yang Si was trampled to death, it would be hard to explain to Great Wei.

But in just that instant, everyone heard the horse give a tragic long cry before crashing down with a boom. A young man with blood on his spear used the momentum of the falling horse to leap up from the ground. The fallen horse had its belly pierced by the spear, blood gushing like a spring, shocking all around who turned pale.

They looked at Third Young Master Yang surrounded by horses as if he were a monster.

Long hair swept down, a strand stuck to his face, horse blood splattered on his countenance, Third Young Master Yang stood holding his spear. His power alone made the several men surrounding him hesitate to engage, fearing their horses would also be injured.

Meng Zai Shi saw at a glance these rabble were again feeling sorry for the horses. His expression unchanged, he shouted: “Have you all become confused again? These are horses provided by Great Wei, not our own! In military exercises, we only need to fight, not consider external factors!”

Meng Zai Shi pointed his blade at Yang Si and shouted fiercely: “We have over a thousand men, a hundred horses, can we not take down one dismounted Third Young Master Yang?!”

Dust rolled up as Yang Si held his long spear, with horses beginning to circle him. Light flashed in his eyes as he watched for opportunities, ready to seize any chance to break through the horse formation. However, this time Meng Zai Shi commanded personally, and such mistakes were unlikely. Yang Si quickly abandoned that possibility, and when blades and spears swung down from horseback, he began looking for chances to steal a horse.

Meng Zai Shi started to grow irritated: “Third Young Master Yang, still won’t surrender?”

Yang Si laughed boldly: “Is Your Majesty getting anxious? Only after taking me down can Your Majesty go reinforce! Why doesn’t Your Majesty take another route?”

Meng Zai Shi: “Seeking death!”—

Because of a moment of anger, Meng Zai Shi was blocked here by Yang Si and his hundred-odd men. But soon Meng Zai Shi realized that acting on impulse was unwise – this terrain was already unfavorable for attacking, and Yang Si was so unyielding… if they were truly stuck here for two hours, the camp would likely fall completely, and his victory would turn to defeat.

Meng Zai Shi gritted his teeth: “Withdraw! We’ll take another route!”

Yang Si laughed: “Your Majesty comes and goes as you please, treating us so casually—”

Yang Si hurled the spear in his hand, shocking everyone. They hadn’t expected him to attack with so few troops – defending was one thing, but daring to attack?!

However, having calmed down, Meng Zai Shi was completely unmoved by Yang Si’s strike. While having some men block Yang Si’s group, he began retreating from the valley. Though Yang Si’s side fought fiercely, with over a thousand enemy troops withdrawing, he truly couldn’t hold them.

The large army withdrew from the valley, taking another route.

Yang Si stood covered in blood on the open ground before the valley, with several panicked men following him. Some had surrendered, but some persisted. But the Barbarian army had already withdrawn.

They anxiously wondered: Had they… completed their mission?

Several looked toward Yang Si, confusion mixed with excitement: “Third Young Master… did we win this battle? Did the Barbarian King flee?”

Yang Si didn’t answer them, stepping back three paces before falling to his knees. His hand gripping the spear trembled slightly, the blood on his face reflecting in his eyes, making his star-like pupils appear even more wild and untameable.

Yang Si let out a long breath.

He fell backward, lying on the ground panting.

Suddenly he laughed loudly: “I won—!”

Everyone was stunned, then began laughing too, sitting down in twos and threes, starting to joke and tease companions about surrendering so quickly. The atmosphere in the valley became joyful. Regardless of the military exercise’s outcome, their side had achieved merit.

Free of worries, young men’s laughter rang through the valley. Yang Si lay on his back, panting as he looked at the starry sky above.

Stars filled the heavens, clouds veiled the moon, and the birds that had fled the fighting earlier cautiously returned.

Yang Si closed his eyes, seemingly still able to feel that earlier blood-boiling sensation—

Battle, battlefield. Hot blood, fine horses… all of this enthralled him—

When Meng Zai Shi reached the camp, the supplies had been completely burned, and Yan Shang had led the Wei forces to surrender directly.

By dawn, with the Wei forces completely defeated, standing in their camp burned by fierce fires, the diplomatic mission army led by the Barbarian King became the victors of this military exercise.

The diplomatic side’s atmosphere relaxed, and everyone was very happy, just waiting for the exercise to end.

However, Meng Zai Shi’s expression was unhappy.

He asked those celebrating nearby: “We still have half a day, our supplies are completely burned – have you thought about what so many troops will eat and drink during this half-day?”

His subordinates looked around blankly, saying: “…It was all Second Young Master Yan’s trickery, we didn’t pay attention to supplies at first.”

Someone optimistically said: “Well, we’ll just be hungry for half a day, it’s no matter.”

Meng Zai Shi looked coldly at this rabble he led, saying: “On a real battlefield, cutting off supplies for half a day would reduce fighting strength by half. If the Wei forces attacked again, we’d be finished.”

Someone unhappily said: “But it’s just an exercise… Besides, we won completely. Why is the Barbarian King being so harsh?”

Meng Zai Shi crossed his arms looking at them: “The Wei forces harassed us three times precisely to lull us into complacency, so that when they truly attacked the camp, we had lowered our guard, letting them win. We won most of this battle but suffered consecutive losses in two small places. You call this a complete victory?”

Everyone was speechless.

Meng Zai Shi no longer paid them attention, walking toward the camp to check exactly how badly the supplies were burned, if anything remained. However, as he expected, Yan Shang wouldn’t have left anything.

Indeed, no victory.

Standing before the thoroughly burned supply camp, after their excitement, people began worrying about going hungry. Meng Zai Shi sighed, silent.

Though their side had won this war, they had to go hungry for half a day… it gave a feeling of defeat even in victory.

Yan Shang, Yang Si, and even… Wei Shu, actively destroyed their camp to give the cavalry space to form ranks.

When these people grew up, they would be formidable opponents.

However, when Meng Zai Shi looked back at these envoys, he saw none of them noticed this, all just worrying about going hungry. Meng Zai Shi shook his head, no longer wanting to speak much with this rabble—

On the fourth day, the military exercise ended, and everyone reported the situation to the Crown Prince and Prince Qin. The Crown Prince and Prince Qin thanked the diplomatic mission for their hard work, not minding their own side’s defeat. Afterward, the two led everyone to see His Majesty.

The Crown Prince said: “Father Emperor has been waiting for the results of your military exercise. Regardless of victory or defeat, tonight we’ll reward all generals. Whether it’s Second Young Master Yan and other Great Wei warriors, or the diplomatic army led by the Barbarian King… Father Emperor says you are all young heroes and has even written poems and prose about you, had music composed, for people to sing through the ages.”

Meng Zai Shi looked toward those Great Wei youths, smiling: “In that case, I, a foreigner, will live on in Great Wei’s legends?”

The Crown Prince smiled: “It seems so. Is Your Majesty willing?”

Meng Zai Shi half-joked: “Naturally I’m willing. Crossing swords with Great Wei’s young generals makes me marvel at Great Wei’s endless talents, putting great pressure on us. I will use this as motivation to improve our forces when I return to the Barbarians… we can’t lose to Great Wei.”

Another envoy asked nearby: “Where is the Great Wei Emperor?”

The Crown Prince gazed into the distance: “The literary contest has ended, with results also announced today. Father Emperor went to watch the literary contest presided over by Sixth Sister.”—

So in the evening, all the young people descended the tower together, mounted their horses, and under the Crown Prince’s lead, galloped forth to pay respects to the Emperor.

The Pleasure Grounds were originally vast plains, completely different from the densely packed streets and pavilions of Chang’an city. Not worried about injuring common people, everyone loosened their reins, letting their horses run freely, racing across the long roads!

How unrestrained and carefree—

In a pavilion, the Emperor sat quietly, watching his youngest daughter. Mu Wanyao in her red dress and snow-white skin sat beside him, judging the results of the literary contest.

The Emperor watched her, just as he had gazed at her for long periods each day these past days. At first, Mu Wanyao had felt unsettled by the Emperor’s gaze, but over these days, she had grown accustomed to his look.

After announcing Great Wei’s victory, Mu Wanyao was about to wave for people to withdraw, but some among the diplomatic mission were unsatisfied.

Someone said: “Are we that much worse than Great Wei in literary talent? By what right can Princess be the judge? Is the Princess truly an expert in all the arts we competed in?”

The Emperor looked at them with an ambiguous smile.

Mu Wanyao raised her eyes to look at everyone, saying coldly: “Not an expert, but familiar with all. What, do you want me to demonstrate?”

A stir went through the envoys, then they pushed forward one person: “This is our best zither player, whom Princess evaluated as ‘playing like wood.’ We truly can’t accept this. We want to know what playing that isn’t wooden sounds like.

“We know Princess is unmatched with the konghou, so we wouldn’t dare embarrass ourselves. If Princess can convince us with the zither, we won’t question her judgment.”

The Emperor watched them with interest, his heart also stirring: In the past, Mu Wanyao was said to be “doubly gifted in talent and music.” However, in recent years he hadn’t seen Mu Wanyao dabble in these things – was her konghou still as good as before, but had her zither skills grown rusty?

Mu Wanyao looked at them, decisively saying: “Xia Rong, bring my zither.”—

Willow and elm blossoms danced in the air, like floating catkins, like falling snowflakes.

In the twilight, several horses galloped forth, heading straight for the pavilion.

Noble men and women and common people on the road heard the hoofbeats and hurriedly made way. They saw a group of young men and women riding horses, stirring up flowers and leaves as they galloped toward the Emperor’s pavilion.

Those youth on horseback, young lords and ladies, were all of beautiful countenance. Such gallant and romantic youth in their prime years aroused admiration.

Some who recognized them said: “Isn’t that the Barbarian King? Has the military exercise ended? Who won?”

Some counted heads on their fingers:

“That’s Barbarian King Meng Zai Shi, that’s Third Young Master Yang Si, that’s Second Young Master Yan Shang, over there is Seventh Young Master Wei Shu… oh, and there’s even a woman? It’s Fifth Lady Zhao Lingfei.”

“Have they just come from the exercise grounds?”

The group of young men and women rode past the crowd, arriving before the Emperor’s pavilion where their horses stopped one by one.

Heaven and earth fell silent as they heard zither music from above, and couldn’t help looking up.

They saw Princess Danyang sitting by the window, her hands plucking the strings, streams of music flowing from her delicate fingers, the melody serene yet carrying a trace of killing intent.

Dense clouds layered the sky, sunset glow filled the heavens, as the lady sat in the high tower, playing the zither, lowering her eyes to look at them.

Yan Shang, Yang Si, Wei Shu, Meng Zai Shi, and Zhao Lingfei, all gazed in amazement, listening to the serene music as if transported to a mysterious realm of high mountains and flowing waters—

Willow catkins filled the sky, sunset clouds wove like brocade and zither notes circled the rafters like leaping springs.

There was a beauty, sitting in the high tower. Joy to behold, delight to see.

Never to be forgotten—

Sunset clouds filled the sky as darkness fell. Lanterns were lit one by one, their lights swaying. Suddenly a palace servant interrupted everyone’s reverie: “His Majesty calls you to feast—

“Please follow this old servant upstairs!”