Liang Qiang was no longer as green as during his first battle. Not only did he block the attack, he also reclined on his horse’s back and thrust his long blade out in counterattack.

The Xi Liang soldier was stabbed. Though not fatally wounded, he fell from his horse and was trampled half to death by hooves.

But this didn’t mean Liang Qiang was invincible. As soon as he sat upright on his horse, a Xi Liang soldier from behind swung his blade down.

This time he didn’t have such good luck and could only rely on instinct to spin his long blade backward—

The sound of clashing weapons and a scream rang out simultaneously. Liang Qiang pulled back his spinning blade and turned his horse around to see that Xi Liang soldier already dead on the ground—he still had good luck because two soldiers were guarding his left and right.

Was this because he was their captain?

Liang Qiang glanced at these two soldiers. Though he was captain of this squad, having just been promoted and focusing all his energy on martial training, he wasn’t familiar with these two soldiers and couldn’t even call out their names.

On the battlefield at this moment, the Xi Liang soldiers held the advantage. Soldiers were constantly being killed by Xi Liang troops or dying together with them. Liang Qiang only looked once before charging at the Xi Liang soldiers again—there was no time to be distracted on the battlefield.

The soldiers following him were fierce and brave, but they weren’t gods, just people. People were flesh and blood, and soon fell from their horses in the assault.

But Liang Qiang still suffered no fatal injuries, because when these two soldiers fell, other soldiers rushed to Liang Qiang’s side.

One, two, three, four—wave after wave. There were always soldiers protecting Liang Qiang. Rather than saying they came to kill the enemy, it was more accurate to say they came to support Liang Qiang’s attacks.

Completely disregarding their own lives, not caring about formation, only caring about Liang Qiang—blocking attacks for him, helping him kill enemies.

This bizarre and crazed slaughter continued until the Xi Liang soldiers were all dead and only a sparse five people remained on the entire battlefield.

Liang Qiang was covered in wounds, his entire person as if soaked in blood, but he was one of these sparse five—he was still alive.

The ground trembled as reinforcements finally arrived like clouds. Knowing the enemy was numerous, the Colonel personally led troops to arrive. Seeing this scene, the Colonel let out an excited shout: “What brave warriors!”

He had originally thought he would only see corpses strewn everywhere, with the Xi Liang soldiers victorious and gone.

He never expected this vanguard of fifty would kill a hundred Xi Liang soldiers and still have survivors.

“Brave warriors!” the Colonel asked loudly. “Report your names.”

The five reported their names. When he heard Liang Qiang’s, the Colonel’s eyes brightened: “Liang Qiang—the Liang Qiang who previously received commendation and was promoted to captain? Is your father the Left Wing Army’s Commandant Liang who constantly produces clever strategies?”

Liang Qiang responded affirmatively.

The Colonel was even more pleased. He examined Liang Qiang, his eyes shining: “Impressive, impressive, truly impressive. Liang Qiang, are you willing to join my command? I’ll appoint you as Army Marquis.”

Army Marquis—that was an officer commanding at least five hundred men.

Becoming Army Marquis meant truly becoming an official.

“Liang Qiang, you are brave and skilled in battle. This general expects you to train troops like yourself who are invincible.”

He was brave and skilled in battle. This Army Marquis position was earned by himself. He wanted more military merit. He wanted to be invincible with a resounding reputation. Liang Qiang looked at the blood on his body, felt the pain throughout his body, and gripped the long blade in his hand tighter. His gaze didn’t shift downward, lest it fall on the corpses covering the ground.

He raised his head and declared loudly: “Liang Qiang will not disappoint your high expectations, sir!”

The Colonel laughed heartily and looked at the other four: “You all join my command as well. All will receive rewards.”

The other four responded loudly in acknowledgment.

……

……

Liang Qiang stood in the military camp, looking at the corpses that had been gathered.

The corpses awaited unified cremation, after which the ashes and belongings would be sent back to their respective homes.

Their heads and faces were all wrapped, their features invisible. Each person was covered with a military robe and their identification tag.

Liang Qiang looked at the tags one by one.

“Army Marquis Liang,” a soldier beside him called. “Go treat your wounds first.”

From gathering the battlefield to returning, Liang Qiang had never rested, much less treated his wounds. He still wore his blood-soaked military robe, standing there looking at his companions’ corpses, making other soldiers and officers unable to help but sigh.

“The battlefield is like this,” an officer specially came over to console him. “Life and death in an instant. One moment laughing together, the next moment separated by death.”

“Don’t be sad. They fought for country and people—they died worthily,” a soldier said. “Being a soldier is for this day. We’ve all long been prepared. We don’t fear death. We’d even be happy to die.”

Liang Qiang thanked them. He naturally knew these principles, but what they didn’t know was that among these soldiers, many had died for him.

Actually, the one lying here should have been him.

No—long ago, the first time he went to battle, he had died. If not for those several soldiers protecting him, he wouldn’t have survived, much less received any merit rewards.

At first he thought this was comrades helping each other—very normal.

But once, twice, three times—every time he went to battle afterward, he was protected by people.

Were these people on very good terms with him? No. Because of his sensitive status, he didn’t socialize with people in the army. All his relationships were average, with no sworn brotherhoods.

Because he was a captain, did the soldiers voluntarily protect him? No. A captain was just a small official for organizing squads, not really an officer. There was no difference from ordinary soldiers. His death wouldn’t cause any loss to formation, nor did soldiers need to protect him to secure victory.

Many soldiers had died protecting him, and some survived. When he thanked them afterward and asked why they did this for him, those soldiers were cold in attitude, only saying they were killing enemies, refusing to acknowledge it.

Even if he were a fool, he’d know this wasn’t normal, much less since he wasn’t a fool.

His ability to join the army had been arranged by someone. Could it be that protection on the battlefield was also arranged by that person?

He’d heard from Father that back then, he’d only felt sorry seeing that little official from the Northwest waiting pitifully outside their gate, so he said a word on his behalf and had the gatekeeper let him in—that was all. It wasn’t like he’d saved the lives of that man surnamed Cai’s entire family of seven or eight people!

Setting aside whether one sentence was worth such repayment, how could that old friend surnamed Cai possibly have such great ability to make so many soldiers—and different soldiers at that—no matter where he went, even in squads temporarily assigned before battle, there were always soldiers protecting him, helping him fight.

What kind of person could achieve this?

Even Guardian General Chu Ling couldn’t do it!

Liang Qiang wanted to ask Father, tell him about this matter, see if he knew what was going on. But—

That would let Father know he wasn’t truly brave and skilled in battle, that he didn’t earn merit rewards himself.

That wouldn’t really matter. Father was family—knowing wouldn’t be shameful.

He was just afraid Father would be cautious and stop this from continuing. In that case—

He couldn’t guarantee whether he’d still achieve such glory the next time he went to battle, or if he’d simply die.

“Army Marquis Liang!”

A shout came from beside him, interrupting Liang Qiang’s distraction. He turned to look and saw several officers beckoning to him.

“The Xi Liang bandits’ heads are all loaded on carts. The Colonel says you should personally escort them to the Great General’s camp to report the achievement,” they called loudly.

Report achievement at the Great General’s camp. Liang Qiang clenched his fists.

“Army Marquis Liang, go quickly,” the soldiers nearby also urged. “Bind your wounds and go display our valor to the people at the Great General’s camp!”

His valor should be displayed for the world to see. He couldn’t lose all this. Moreover, he wasn’t without valor—he truly did fight and kill enemies.

All this was what he deserved.

Liang Qiang cupped his fists to them: “See the brothers off for me. I’ll go display the victory our brothers traded their lives for to the world.”

The soldiers all cheered.

Amid the soldiers’ shouts and the officers’ smiling, respectful gazes, the bloodstained Liang Qiang gripped his long blade and strode forward with large steps.

……

……

Night enveloped the earth. The streets of the capital were brilliantly lit like the Milky Way.

However, at this moment, no one walked on the most prosperous streets. Teams of cavalry galloped past, clearing the streets clean.

Armored and armed soldiers slowly approached, clustering around the man on a tall horse in their midst.

Deng Yi wore red robes wrapped in a black cloak. He didn’t appreciate this street specially cleared for him. His thin eyes were slightly lowered, as if dozing or contemplating.

Two officials accompanied him on either side. Looking at this cleared street, they were very satisfied—back when the imperial relatives Yang and Zhao clans were illustrious, they at most used household servants to drive commoners aside to make way but couldn’t clear the streets.

As long as one held great power, what imperial relatives couldn’t do, important ministers could achieve.

Speaking of imperial relatives—

“Sir,” an official said in a low voice. “The Xie clan’s arrogance must still be suppressed.”

“Exactly,” another official nodded. “We can’t raise another Yang or Zhao clan.”

The lowered-eyed Deng Yi smiled: “I’d love nothing more than to raise another Yang or Zhao clan. The previous imperial princes’ chaos and the current young child emperor, the Xi Liang invasion—traced back, they’re all the fault of imperial relatives causing trouble. Right now, the people most hate imperial relatives. Once the Xie clan oversteeps, no matter their hundred years of clean reputation, the realm won’t tolerate them.”

The two officials exchanged glances and laughed heartily: “Exactly, precisely so.”

“Xie Yanfang is crafty, experienced in affairs, most skilled at gaining good reputation. Now that he’s National Uncle, many commoners place the dynasty’s great responsibility on him. His prestige is even greater.”

“However, the Xie clan isn’t just Xie Yanfang. To say nothing else, his brother Xie Yanlai has quite the arrogant and domineering attitude of the Yang and Zhao clans.”

“This Xie Yanlai can even bewitch the Emperor.”

Xie Yanlai? Deng Yi thought to himself—he doesn’t bewitch the Emperor, he bewitches the Empress. Others might not know or care, but he understood very clearly that girl had known him when both were humble, and even more so with that Xie Yanlai.

Regarding Xie Yanfang, he could be certain Chu Zhao didn’t trust him, but he was very sure Chu Zhao regarded Xie Yanlai differently.

Why was this? Did she want to support a new National Uncle? Make the Xie clan fight internally—

As he pondered, firecracker sounds rang out, particularly jarring on the quiet street.

The two officials were startled. Deng Yi opened his eyes.

Soldiers had already gone to investigate and quickly returned.

“Sir, it’s some children playing with firecrackers in an alley,” they said.

The officials were annoyed: “Firecrackers can also injure people. How can this be so lax—”

Deng Yi smiled: “I, Deng Yi, am not yet so hated by the people that even firecrackers must be forbidden. Moreover—” He raised his hand and counted, “New Year is approaching.”

Yes, New Year was almost here. The officials were stunned, then shook their heads with sheepish smiles: “These days have passed in such a way we’ve forgotten.”

“This year has been turbulent for Da Xia. The days have passed in confusion,” Deng Yi said.

The two officials sighed: “During New Year, when His Majesty offers sacrifices to Heaven and prays for blessings, all misfortune will pass.”

Deng Yi looked at the cold night sky. Would it? Perhaps. But currently speaking, they still had to weather one crisis.

“General Chu’s situation—how is it?” he turned to ask.

The two officials’ faces darkened. They shook their heads: “Not good.”

……

……

Night enveloped the earth. Prince Zhongshan’s manor was shrouded in darkness, but Prince Zhongshan’s bedchamber was brightly lit.

Prince Zhongshan slept at night with lamps lit. Not even an insect’s shadow could hide in the room.

At this moment, hurried footsteps made shadows dance chaotically on the ground.

“Chu Ling is failing?” Prince Zhongshan sat up from his bed.

Xiao Xun and Ning Kun nodded.

“The latest news—Chu Ling has been unconscious for many days,” Ning Kun said.

Xiao Xun said softly: “He won’t wake again.”

Prince Zhongshan’s expression was melancholy. “What a pity. Such a hero wasted half his life and ultimately couldn’t be used by me.” He looked at Ning Kun. “Has the news been sent to the Xi Liang people?”

Ning Kun responded affirmatively: “The Xi Liang King has already set out.”

Xi Liang and Da Xia had been at war for some time, but it had always been somewhat lukewarm. Da Xia’s victory reports came frequently, making people think Xi Liang was just bluffing, but actually that wasn’t the case. Xi Liang’s true royal army had been waiting all along—waiting for an opportunity for a fatal strike.

That opportunity was Chu Ling’s death.

Xiao Xun said: “Father King, let me lead troops to Yunzhong Commandery.”

It was time for them to turn the tide.

Prince Zhongshan smiled and shook his head: “No need. I believe even in death, General Chu Ling can still battle the Xi Liang King. What you should do is—”

He stood up, using his cane to point toward the thick night beyond the door.

“Lead troops to the capital to protect the Emperor.”

……

……

When dawn was breaking, Chu Zhao sat up from her bed. Hearing her movement, A’Le in the outer chamber also rose and entered carrying a water basin.

Without needing many words, master and servant began skillfully wiping down Chu Ling.

“Father’s beard should be trimmed,” Chu Zhao said, examining her sleeping father’s face.

A’Le nodded: “The General looks better without a beard. I’ll go call Uncle Zhong.”

After wiping him down, they would use a spouted pot to feed him—which was just ginseng soup.

However, less and less could be fed in. Chu Zhao looked at the half bowl remaining in her hand and sighed lightly. Urgent footsteps sounded outside the door.

“Uncle Zhong, you’re here,” Chu Zhao said, turning around. “I’ll wipe Father’s face, then you can—”

“Ah Zhao,” Zhong Changrong interrupted her, his expression grave. “The Xi Liang King’s royal army has come.”

Chu Zhao made a sound of acknowledgment and smiled: “It seems the Xi Liang King also understands Father’s condition and knows the opportunity has arrived.”

“The General’s condition has been kept secret all along. I don’t know how—” Zhong Changrong said bitterly.

Chu Zhao shook her head: “No wall is impenetrable.”

There was no point in hunting for traitors now.

Chu Zhao stood up.

“The royal army is personally led by the Xi Liang King. Then I’ll take Father’s place in leading the great army to meet them in battle.”

With the main general absent at this critical moment, it would inevitably shake military morale. As his daughter taking Father’s place to lead troops into battle, she was somewhat lacking. However, fortunately, she now wasn’t merely Chu Ling’s daughter—she was also the Empress.

Da Xia’s Empress.

The Xi Liang King personally led troops to invade, so Da Xia’s Empress would personally lead troops to meet them.

“A’Le,” Chu Zhao said. “Bring my Empress court robes.”

A’Le responded loudly in acknowledgment.

When she left the Imperial City, Chu Zhao had her bring the court robes, but throughout their journey, whether encountering bandits or officials, Chu Zhao had never worn them. Now, facing foreign enemies, she could wear them.

“Zhong Changrong,” Chu Zhao said.

This was the first time she’d called him by his full name. In an instant, the person before him was no longer the little girl Zhong Changrong was familiar with. Though not yet wearing Empress court robes, she already possessed imposing authority.

“Arrange the Empress’s ceremonial procession. We march to war.”

Zhong Changrong knelt on one knee, fist to chest, declaring loudly: “This subject receives your command!”