Yang Hu said the Great General had gone to the main camp to prepare for a military assembly. Jiang Hanyuan rushed there directly. She had her quarters in Yanmen’s main camp. She changed clothes and donned armor at the fastest speed possible, then came to the central command tent. Upon entering, she saw her father Jiang Zuwang already seated, and more than ten high-ranking officers of fourth rank and above from the main camp were all in position.

They hadn’t seen each other for half a year. Everyone rose from their seats upon seeing her, including her father, Jiang Zuwang. Jiang Hanyuan was startled at first, then quickly understood. When Jiang Zuwang was about to lead them in bowing to her, she hurried forward and caught him.

“Great General! Uncles and generals! In the military, there is no Princess Consort of the Regent Prince, only Changning! No need for empty ceremony.”

However, Jiang Zuwang did not comply, his expression solemn: “The Princess Consort of the Regent Prince has just arrived and should rightfully receive our respects.”

After saying this, he performed a military bow toward his daughter. The surrounding officers also followed his lead in bowing.

Jiang Hanyuan understood.

She no longer prevented them, standing to receive their respects. After her father returned to his seat, she stepped forward and bowed as in the past: “Changning returns to camp today and requests the Great General’s orders!”

Jiang Zuwang looked at his daughter, nodded slightly, and indicated for her to take a seat. Jiang Hanyuan also greeted several older veteran generals in the assembly. Everyone hastily returned her courtesies, their faces bearing smiles and expressions of great joy. Only then did Jiang Hanyuan sit down.

With everyone assembled, the camp adjutant briefed them on the situation.

In April, taking advantage of the Great He King’s journey to Chang’an, the Baishui tribal leader Qi Wang bullied Prince Xiao Lishan for his youth and conspired with the Furen tribe (with whom they had previously formed marriage alliances) to rebel. Unexpectedly, though young, Xiao Lishan was extremely capable, detected their plot in advance, and suppressed it promptly. Not only did the two tribes gain nothing, but they also lost troops and fled in panic.

Just last month, these two tribes made a comeback. This time, the rebels were not just the remnant forces of the two tribes, but had gained support from the Beidi Southern Prince’s palace. The Southern Prince’s palace sent troops, forming a coalition army totaling about thirty thousand men, and fought their way back. The situation immediately changed dramatically. Among the remaining six tribes, the weakest Wuqiang and Gaogong tribes quickly fell, while the Zhongqiu and Zishan tribes, fearing Beidi’s military might, hesitated and refused to fight with full strength, leaving only the Great He King and Lushan tribes desperately resisting. The Great He King struggled to respond while sending messengers to both Chang’an and Yanmen camps requesting rescue.

A great battle between Wei and Di was inevitable shortly. At this point, Beidi stirring up trouble among the eight tribes had an obvious purpose. If the eight tribes were occupied, once the great war began, though Great Wei had broken through the Qingmu Plains defense line, correspondingly, another gap would be torn open from the direction of the eight tribes. With defenses scattered, this would be extremely disadvantageous for Great Wei.

Not only that, if the Di people’s plan succeeded this time, it would also intimidate Great Wei’s military morale.

They must send troops and achieve victory.

Nominally assisting the Great He, but serving as a rehearsal battle before the great Wei-Di war—this point was crystal clear in the mind of everyone currently in the central command tent.

Jiang Zuwang’s gaze swept over those seated below: “Today marks twelve days since the Great He King sent his message. The Great He King has over ten thousand available troops, while the rebel army, with assistance, has reached three times that number. If my assessment is correct, the Great He King will retreat to Maple Leaf City, which he has fortified for years and is easy to defend but hard to attack, to preserve his strength. But he probably cannot hold out much longer either. Sending troops for rescue is urgent.”

“Fortunately, two months ago, the court specifically ordered that I be granted full authority to deploy troops and generals as needed to respond to emergencies. The imperial decree, along with military seals, has been delivered. The only matter that needs to be decided is how to reach them for rescue as quickly as possible. Speak freely if you have thoughts.”

After his words fell, the generals, whose expressions had been somewhat tense, all breathed sighs of relief.

You must understand, this situation differed from the usual routine border conflicts. Without imperial orders from the court, even Great General Jiang Zuwang could not presume to send troops on his authority.

The current situation was urgent and unexpected. Normally, waiting for court orders to arrive—even by the fastest eight-hundred-li express relay—a round trip would probably take half a month. And waiting half a month to send troops, plus the time needed on the road, by the time the forces arrived, the Great He King’s side would probably have already fallen, with everyone dead.

It turned out the Great General already had such special imperial authorization here. The court’s level of trust in the Great General was evident.

Everyone was delighted and, with no more concerns, spoke up one after another.

With almost no argument, everyone quickly reached unanimous agreement, including Jiang Zuwang, determining a route for sending troops.

Departing from Lingqiu, marching eastward along the border between Youzhou (occupied by Beidi) and Great Wei, heading toward Maple Leaf City.

The only—and greatest—problem was that the Di people would certainly guard against Great Wei sending rescue forces. They would intercept along the route.

This long southern Youzhou line was under Di control, with usable strongholds everywhere. After circling several locations most likely to encounter interception, the remaining question was how to break through and pass at the fastest speed.

This was not an easy task.

This was an extremely tough nut to crack.

“Send thirty thousand troops. At the latest, the main force must reach Maple Leaf City within one month, before mid-August! Otherwise, even if we arrive, it will probably be too late to help.”

When Jiang Zuwang spoke these words, the heated discussion in the great tent suddenly fell silent.

Everyone’s eyes met each other’s.

Who wouldn’t want to compete for such an excellent opportunity for merit? But after fighting for it, if the main force ended up intercepted halfway and returned in failure, personal honor aside, the responsibility for negative impact on the overall situation was not something anyone could easily dare to bear.

After a moment of silence, suddenly a loud voice declared: “This general is willing to lead troops into battle!”

The one who stood up to speak was a general about forty years old, with thick eyebrows and a broad nose, bearing a scar on his face.

This was General of Mighty Virtue Zhou Qing.

He was a veteran battlefield commander who had experienced hundreds of battles, and was also one of Jiang Zuwang’s most valued subordinate generals. He fought fiercely and courageously, was rich in experience, and commanded considerable prestige in the army.

Jiang Zuwang’s choice for army commander had also been Zhou Qing. But Zhou Qing also had one shortcoming: he was prone to underestimating enemies and advancing rashly. For this mission, not only was the task arduous, but success was required—failure was not permitted.

Jiang Zuwang pondered briefly, then turned his gaze toward another person in the assembly: “Zhou Qing as main commander, you as deputy commander for the march. You two must cooperate sincerely. Remember, one month is the longest deadline I can give you. You must advance and reach Maple Leaf City!”

The deputy commander he appointed was named Zhang Mi, meticulous in thought, who usually got along well with Zhou Qing and had experience leading armies together with him several times. The two complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so there should be no major problems—it just depended on exactly how many days the journey would take.

The two rose to accept the order. Jiang Zuwang nodded, ordering them to select troops and depart immediately the next morning.

With matters decided, Zhou Qing and Zhang Mi, who had received the heavy responsibility, looked grave and dared not delay even slightly, immediately going down to prepare.

“Hanyuan, you stay behind.”

Jiang Zuwang called to his daughter.

The strained relationship between the Great General and his daughter was known throughout the army, but this time, the female general had married far away to Chang’an, been gone for half a year, and only returned today—naturally, father and daughter had things to discuss.

The remaining people in the great tent also took their leave one after another, soon leaving only father and daughter.

Jiang Zuwang looked at his daughter for a long time and asked: “Was the journey smooth?”

“Smooth.”

Jiang Zuwang nodded, hesitated, as if secretly glancing at his daughter’s expression, and finally asked again: “Is the Regent Prince well?”

“Very well. He is currently on a southern inspection tour.”

Jiang Zuwang fell silent again for a moment, then showed a trace of a smile: “Fan Jing said you were in quite a hurry on the return journey. You must be tired too. Go rest early.”

Jiang Hanyuan agreed. She rose, bowed to Jiang Zuwang, turned and walked toward the tent entrance. Jiang Zuwang watched her retreating figure, suddenly saw her stop and turn back to say: “I have one more matter.”

Jiang Zuwang immediately said: “Speak!”

“Uncle Liu Xiang asked me to convey his greetings to Father.”

Jiang Zuwang was startled.

When he saw his daughter stop and turn back, saying she had something to discuss, his heart lifted slightly with some secret expectation, but he hadn’t expected such a simple statement.

He paused, his face showing a smile again: “Father knows. You may go.”

Jiang Hanyuan walked out of the central command tent and headed toward her quarters.

It was already dark, and torches were lit throughout the main camp. Soldiers she encountered along the way greeted her one after another. She nodded in response, all the way, and returned to her resting place.

Yang Hu had been waiting outside the great tent the whole time, full of expectation, but learned that this combat opportunity had fallen to others. Unable to help feeling disappointed, he didn’t dare speak along the way and only sighed repeatedly. Nearly reaching her tent, he finally couldn’t hold back and muttered quietly: “General, with such an opportunity, why didn’t the General fight for Qingmu Camp? General, during your absence, everyone didn’t slack off for a single day, drilling daily just hoping for battle!”

Jiang Hanyuan stopped and turned to him: “Before I left, you promised that before my return, you would do morning drills two quarter-hours longer than others every day. Did you accomplish this?”

Yang Hu thumped his chest: “Need you ask? If I said it, naturally I did it! If the General doesn’t believe me, feel free to ask anyone!”

Though his expression was generous at this moment, he had been suffering terribly for a long time. But since he had boasted himself, he was unwilling to break his word, so he had been hoping day after day for her return to rescue him from his misery.

Jiang Hanyuan nodded: “Very good! I brought family letters and clothing that your family entrusted me to deliver. Go have a look!”

Yang Hu was overjoyed and momentarily set aside his regret at missing the chance to request battle, thanking her repeatedly before turning and running off quickly.

Having sent Yang Hu away, Jiang Hanyuan entered her tent.

The tent’s furnishings were simple: one bed, one desk, one stool, plus one trunk and some essential daily necessities. She lit a candle, removed her armor, sat alone at the desk, and stared at the candlelight in contemplation. After a long while, she slowly lay down and closed her eyes.

Night gradually deepened. At the hour of hai, from the direction of the southern camp in the distance came the faint sound of a camp horn. She knew that place was now brightly lit with torches, where thirty thousand officers and soldiers were making tense preparations through the night for tomorrow morning’s departure.

The train of thought she had been pondering in her mind gradually formed clear threads. She opened her eyes, walked out of her tent, stood in the darkness with her gaze directed toward the dark mountains and wilderness under the northern night sky, stood for another moment, and completed all her thinking.

She hesitated no more, turned back inside, and after a moment emerged again, heading toward the great tent.

At this hour, Jiang Zuwang hadn’t yet rested. He had inspected the thirty thousand troops ready to depart, and upon returning, immediately buried himself in personally drafting a detailed memorial about sending troops, presenting the detailed plan to his son-in-law, the current Regent Prince.

Jiang Hanyuan walked to outside the central command tent and, out of habit, stopped and was about to have the halberd-bearing guards announce her, when she suddenly heard coughing from inside the tent. She paused, thinking to wait for the coughing to stop, but it didn’t stop and instead grew more severe. The sound seemed very painful, and after one particularly violent cough, it seemed to be forcibly suppressed.

Jiang Hanyuan instinctively sensed something was wrong, rushed forward, and pushed open the tent door to see her father hunched over the desk, his figure stooped and weary in the candlelight.

“Get out! Wasn’t it ordered that no one may enter without my permission?”

Jiang Zuwang struggled to suppress the pain surging in his chest, speaking with some anger in a low voice. As he spoke and raised his head, he saw it was his daughter standing at the tent entrance. Startled, he immediately reacted, stood up, blocked the side of the desk, took out a cloth, and turned his head to quickly wipe the corner of his mouth, then turned back with a smile: “Si Si, it’s you? So late and not sleeping—what’s the matter?”

Jiang Hanyuan didn’t answer. She quickly walked nearby, her gaze falling on the ground behind him, which he was blocking.

On the ground was a pool of blood.

Jiang Hanyuan was horrified. She reached out and forcibly snatched the cloth Jiang Zuwang had concealed in his sleeve, unfolded it, stared at the bloodstain on it, and slowly raised her head to look at the person before her: “Why hide this from people? Why not seek medical treatment?”

She knew her father had taken a cold arrow to the chest in his early years, which had injured his internal organs and lingered for a long time. But these years, seeing him show no abnormalities, she had assumed the old injury had long since healed.

She never would have thought the truth could be like this.

Jiang Zuwang slowly sat back down and smiled: “No need to worry. It’s just an old injury from years past that has occasionally flared up recently. I’m taking medicine—it will be better in a few days. Don’t spread this around to avoid causing unnecessary worry.”

With the court preparing for a great war, as the commanding general, if news spread at this time that his health was impaired, what disadvantage would that bring to military morale?

Jiang Hanyuan naturally understood this point. Looking at her father before her, her emotions were momentarily chaotic, yet she didn’t know what to say.

Jiang Zuwang smiled at his daughter again: “Si Si, rest assured. Father knows what’s important and would never dare delay the court’s top priority!”

His spirit seemed to have recovered, sitting upright with bright eyes focused on her face: “You came to find me—what’s the matter?”

Jiang Hanyuan came back to her senses and could only temporarily suppress her emotions, gathering her spirits: “Regarding today’s decided relief mission, I have an idea. May I speak?”

Jiang Zuwang nodded: “Speak.”

Jiang Hanyuan first briefly recounted how Chi Shu had disguised himself and secretly infiltrated Chang’an to target her, then later lost an arm and escaped.

“We can determine that he must have survived by chance and escaped back then. Today’s rebellion among the eight tribes should be his handiwork. He nearly lost his life last time—this time, he either won’t act, but since he has made a move, he’s determined to succeed. He will certainly plan thoroughly and give his all—”

She looked at her father, whose expression had become extremely grave. “Zhou Qing and Zhang Mi leading troops via the southern route to Maple Leaf City—I have no objection. This is the most conventional and reasonable marching route. But among the eight tribes, only the Great He King’s main tribe and the Lushan tribe can fight. Has the Great General considered what if Maple Leaf City cannot hold out on its own and falls before the southern relief force arrives?”

Jiang Zuwang’s brow furrowed slightly. “Your words are not without reason. How could I not have considered this? But there’s no choice. Recent scout reports indicate unusual activity in the northern frontier, which should be Chi Shu’s deliberate diversion. Regardless of whether he’s bluffing, the defense line must be manned just in case. Thirty thousand troops cannot be increased. Giving them one month is already the limit—it cannot be faster. We can only hope Maple Leaf City can hold out.”

“Great General, I have another route.”

Jiang Hanyuan walked to the map, raised her hand to trace a route on it: “Northern route—send light cavalry from Gaoliu Pass into Youyan, avoiding the Di people’s heavy troop concentrations, following the now-abandoned ancient walls and fortifications built by successive dynasties along what the Di people have abandoned, heading east to assault Anlong Pass. Once out of the pass, there will be no more obstacles, and we can reach Maple Leaf City directly!”

“If the plan succeeds, half a month of marching time will suffice! Upon arrival, we can assist Maple Leaf City in defense, then wait for the southern route army to converge. This way, the plan would be more secure.”

Jiang Zuwang was startled, rose from his seat, quickly came to the map, looked at it, and shook his head: “Too risky. Once past Gaoliu, you’re in Di-controlled territory. Though the Great Wall area you indicated is now abandoned, with surrounding wilderness that should have no garrison troops, this is marching through their territory, like pulling teeth from a tiger’s mouth. This is too dangerous! Moreover—”

He pointed to the route his daughter had just traced: “This is former Jin territory. Our maps’ annotations of mountain passes, waterways, and fortress points are incomplete and unreliable, unusable for wartime reference. To thrust in blindly like this would be like having no eyes—impossible!”

Jiang Hanyuan said, “Regarding this area, I know the accurate routes.”

Jiang Zuwang was startled and looked at his daughter: “How do you know this?”

Jiang Hanyuan thought of that night shortly after their wedding when Shu Shenhui had brought her to his study to show her that map and the huge terrain model: “His Highness the Regent Prince has maps offered by the Jin people. He showed them to me. Though they are old maps, the general geographical positions won’t have changed significantly. They can completely serve as marching references.”

Her memory was excellent—closing her eyes, the terrain model appeared clearly in her mind without omission. She again pointed to the map, filling in what was missing and correcting what was wrong, finally saying: “Great General, trust me. For such an important matter, if I weren’t confident, I wouldn’t rashly speak up!”

His daughter’s military strategy had always been bold yet cautious, with thorough planning. Jiang Zuwang knew this all too well. This was also why he had not avoided suspicion of favoritism and boldly promoted his daughter back then. This kind of military talent was rare and precious.

At this moment, he had to admit he was also moved by this risky yet not entirely unfeasible plan his daughter had proposed. Moreover, how coincidental that they even had the assistance of old Jin maps, like heaven’s help.

He was not someone who stuck rigidly to routines. After pondering for a moment, he nodded: “Not entirely impossible. Let me consider further how to execute it and who would be suitable to send.”

“If the Great General trusts me, I’m willing to lead my Qingmu Camp’s two thousand light cavalry via this northern route,” Jiang Hanyuan immediately said.

“No!” Jiang Zuwang didn’t even think before firmly rejecting this. “You cannot go! I admit your plan is feasible, but the risk is too great—”

“Great General! Many officers and soldiers of my Qingmu Camp have learned the Di language over the years. When the time comes to disguise ourselves and enter their territory, we can adapt as needed—this is an advantage other camps lack. Besides, light cavalry assault is also Qingmu Camp’s specialty. Moreover, I’m familiar with the routes. If the Great General also considers the plan feasible, I can’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t send my Qingmu Camp to execute it!”

Jiang Zuwang was momentarily speechless. He avoided his daughter’s direct gaze and said quietly: “Si Si, it’s not that Father doesn’t trust your ability, but rather…”

He paused. “…but rather that you are now the Princess Consort of the Regent Prince, with a precious status…”

“Great General, if your forces cannot accommodate who I am today, why did you want me to return? You welcomed me back, yet use this kind of reason to prevent me from participating in battle—I cannot accept this. Moreover, my strong request to go to war is not to seek merit, but out of consideration for the overall situation. This plan—not to boast—I can’t think of anyone in the army more suitable than me to execute it!”

After Jiang Hanyuan finished speaking, seeing her father fall silent, she slowly turned away to face the map, stood for a long time without knowing what he was thinking, then slowly turned back to look at her, as if examining her, his gaze slightly flickering.

Finally, as if he had made up his mind, he suddenly turned around.

“Very well. As you requested, select two thousand light cavalry to send troops via the northern route. Also, submit a detailed execution plan to me as soon as possible!”

Jiang Hanyuan breathed a sigh of relief and took out the report she had prepared in advance, presenting it with both hands.

“I have it ready. Please review it, Great General, and grant approval.”

Jiang Zuwang silently sighed, took it, read through it quickly, and nodded: “Go prepare!”

“One more thing!”

He gazed intently at his daughter’s face: “Si Si, this mission is dangerous. You must be extremely careful. If you encounter unexpected situations, avoid them if possible. Better to be delayed than to rush and put yourself in danger.”

Jiang Hanyuan agreed, turned around, walked a few steps, and stopped.

She turned back to see her father had returned to stand before the map, gazing intently at it. The candlelight on the desk illuminated his silhouette. Looking at this figure, she felt for the first time that her father, having removed his battle armor, was no longer tall and imposing—he appeared so aged and thin.

“Si Si, do you have something else?”

Jiang Zuwang sensed this and turned to ask.

Jiang Hanyuan finally said: “Please take care of your health, Great General.”

“The Regent Prince is on his southern tour. If things go smoothly, war may begin next year.”

She paused and added another sentence.

Jiang Zuwang nodded: “I will.”

Jiang Hanyuan’s gaze swept over the pool of blood on the ground beside the desk. She closed her mouth, heavy with concerns, and was about to turn and leave when she saw her father hesitate, then suddenly walk toward her again, stopping before her.

“Si Si, Father didn’t expect that after you’d only been married such a short time, word came that you wanted to return. The Regent Prince he…”

“How does he treat you exactly?”

He looked at a strand of dark hair on his daughter’s forehead in the candlelight, secretly gritted his teeth, and asked quietly.

Jiang Hanyuan remained silent.

The father seemed to realize something and continued explaining: “Father was incompetent, initially unable to prevent the marriage, forcing you to agree to marry. I have no right to ask you these things. But Father’s meaning is, if you regret it, if you want to stay in the future, after this battle beyond the pass, Father will certainly find a way, do everything possible to help you—”

“Father, you misunderstand.”

Jiang Hanyuan raised her head, a smile appearing on her lips.

“The Regent Prince treats me truly well. He is nobly educated, courteous and refined, considers me in everything, and is extremely tolerant toward me. He is an excellent person. The reason I could return so quickly was entirely due to his understanding—”

She met her father’s gaze.

“On our wedding night, I told him clearly that I wanted to return to Yanmen as soon as possible, and he generously agreed. That’s how I was able to fulfill my wish and return early.”

When his daughter spoke of the Regent Prince’s virtues, her words were sincere, and her eyes seemed to hold bright light, showing not the slightest sign of reluctance.

Jiang Zuwang finally breathed a sigh of relief, his mood becoming joyful as well. He nodded repeatedly: “Good, good, that’s good! Father was confused and wrongly thought ill of the Regent Prince, speaking nonsense just now. Don’t blame me, Si Si. Go rest. Rest well. It’s not too late to prepare for tomorrow. Father will finish the little work at hand and also rest!”

Jiang Hanyuan quietly agreed. Jiang Zuwang watched his daughter’s figure leave the tent, then turned back to his desk, brought the half-written memorial to the candle and burned it, then started anew, reporting the new plan for simultaneous relief efforts via northern and southern routes.

When writing about his daughter personally leading light cavalry to infiltrate enemy territory via the northern route, Jiang Zuwang paused with his brush, pondered, then added a line explaining that though she was not very old, she had served in the military for many years with multiple combat experiences, and her experience was not much less than veteran soldiers. Assigning her to execute this mission was because she was the most suitable person. As commanding general, he was confident in her abilities and asked the Regent Prince to also be assured and await good news.

After Jiang Zuwang finished writing, he read through it once, sealed it in a message tube, and applied wax. He coughed twice, stopped, then immediately summoned someone, ordering it sent by eight-hundred-li express relay.