“Chu Qiao, this is Jiao Jiao.”

The setting sun looked like blood. A young woman wore a neat riding outfit, with white camel wool surrounding her fair chin. Her dark eyes resembled two grapes in water, crystal clear and sharp as stars. Upon hearing Chu Qiao’s name, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes as she looked the tall girl up and down, finally exclaiming in amazement: “You’re Chu Qiao?”

“Princess Jiao, the most dazzling blade of the Yan Bei Plateau. Meeting you is Chu Qiao’s honor.”

The wind blew in from outside, rustling the loose strands of hair at the young woman’s temples. Jiao Jiao examined Chu Qiao carefully, her gaze bright, her features somewhat similar to Yan Xun’s, yet not entirely the same. She was only eighteen or nineteen, inheriting the Yan family’s tall stature. Her skin was as white as snow, her features pronounced, carrying a refreshing handsomeness. She suddenly broke into a brilliant smile: “So it’s you who has come. No wonder, no wonder.”

Yan Xun frowned and gently scolded: “Jiao Jiao, don’t be so impolite.”

“Alright, brother,” Princess Jiao smiled, patting Yan Xun’s shoulder like an old friend, saying with a grin: “That wretched place Zheng Huang City has truly ruined you, always talking about rules and manners.”

“I’ve heard about you.” Jiao Jiao turned her head, revealing a row of white teeth, saying very kindly: “You accompanied my brother in the imperial capital for eight years, enduring many hardships. Recently, you even fought a great battle against the Great Xia to save the army. Well done!”

“The Princess leading the Fire Cloud Army sweeping through Yan Bei, driving Ba Tuo’s son to flee in all directions, has already become a famous tale,” Chu Qiao replied.

“Hehe, I am a descendant of the Yan family. If I don’t kill others, they’ll come to kill me. I can’t compare to you—you’re a great hero of our Yan Bei.” Jiao Jiao smiled: “I just heard my brother brought back a woman, and I was worried he was being unfaithful to you. Since it’s you who has come, I won’t interfere!”

The young woman gave a mischievous smile, made a face at Yan Xun, and darted out in a flash.

The wind outside was strong, blowing up the large fur coat that trailed behind the young woman. A neigh of horses suddenly rang out, followed by the sound of hoofbeats gradually fading away. Servants chased after her, running and shouting: “My lady! That’s His Highness’s horse!”

“She’s been wild since childhood, growing up alone,” Yan Xun said with a smile, looking in the direction Jiao Jiao had gone. Chu Qiao gazed at his profile and noticed a tenderness in the man’s eyes that she had never seen before. She knew it was the long-absent feeling of family affection, something she hadn’t seen on Yan Xun’s face for a very long time.

The sun concealed its last ray of light. The earth grew dark, and the stars seemed to be just overhead, like pairs of cold, sharp eyes overlooking everything on the Yan Bei Plateau. Chu Qiao took a deep breath, the cold air rushing into her lungs like a block of ice.

“I’m more fortunate than she.”

The man suddenly sighed softly. He didn’t turn his head, still gazing into the distance, his eyes as deep as the sea. His left hand gently grasped Chu Qiao’s palm.

The next day, the army headed toward Lü Yi City near North Shuo Pass. The report from yesterday’s meeting had been communicated, and the Yan Bei regime took the matter seriously. In just one night, they decided to hold a general meeting of all military commanders in Lü Yi. Both Chu Qiao and Yan Xun knew what awaited them, but they had no choice. To establish themselves in Yan Bei, this was a necessary step.

Lü Yi was only a little over 120 li from North Shuo. By noon that day, Yan Xun’s army had entered the gates of Lü Yi. The city was guarded by a plump, fair-skinned man who smiled good-naturedly, looking just like a chef from a restaurant.

Later, Chu Qiao learned that she had guessed correctly. This city guard, Tong Hua, had once been the owner of a restaurant in Lü Yi, and had indeed been a chef. Years ago, he had joined the Great Unity Association, passing on messages and battle reports for them. After Yan Bei’s independence, when merits were rewarded, he had surprisingly become the city guard here.

Chu Qiao followed behind Yan Xun, riding slowly along the way. Though it was already very cold in Yan Bei in October, the streets of Lü Yi were still prosperous. The streets were bustling with people coming and going, a steady stream of vehicles and horses, and shops lined up on both sides. The common people gathered on both sides of the street, cheering loudly when they saw the troops approaching. They didn’t know whose troops had come; for safety’s sake, Yan Xun’s departure from Yan Bei to Bian Tang had been a top secret of Yan Bei, known only to a few at the top, so naturally the news of his return was also sealed.

A festive atmosphere permeated the city. Although the lax defenses and disorganized formations at the city gate of Lü Yi still occasionally flashed before her eyes, seeing a city so intact amidst the fires of war, Chu Qiao had to admit that this former restaurant owner, Tong Hua, was not entirely useless.

The other high-ranking military officials had not yet arrived due to the long journey. Chu Qiao and Yan Xun were arranged to stay in the main residence of the city guard’s mansion.

After dinner, Chu Qiao sat in the temporary study, reviewing recent battle reports. She knew that the situation in Yan Bei was not optimistic. To coordinate with the uprising in Zheng Huang, Yan Bei had staged a coup on the same day. The Great Unity Association and the former subordinates of the Prince of Yan had quickly occupied the important cities on the eastern and western lines of Yan Bei. However, the Mei Lin Pass in the north had always been a heavily garrisoned area for the empire to guard against the Quan Rong. With high and thick city walls and over ten thousand troops, it was not easy to capture. Moreover, due to insufficient personnel and strategic errors, news of the eastern turmoil spread quickly. By the time the rebel army reached Mei Lin Pass, the Xia army had already prepared for battle.

Although the Great Unity Association claimed to be full of talent, there were few people with superior strategic skills. Their tactics remained at the most superficial level. Their victories relied entirely on a fierce spirit, and Chu Qiao knew that this spirit would not sustain them indefinitely against the elite troops of Great Xia. War was an art, and there were simply too few people here who understood this art.

She quickly integrated all the battle reports, using a vermilion brush to note points that needed attention. By the time she had finished reviewing everything, darkness had fallen.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Chu Qiao responded, and the door opened a crack. Jiao Jiao poked her head in, looking around like a thief, and whispered: “Is my brother here?”

“No,” Chu Qiao stood up: “He’s receiving guests in the front hall. Does the Princess have business with him?”

“Good that he’s not here.” Hearing that Yan Xun wasn’t present, Jiao Jiao suddenly walked in cheerfully, striding up to Chu Qiao and saying: “I came to find you. Come, let me take you out for a stroll.”

Without waiting for Chu Qiao’s opinion, she grabbed her and pulled her out. In her haste, Chu Qiao only managed to grab her fur coat before being dragged away.

“Princess, what did you want to see me about?”

They passed through streets and alleys, all the way to the western side of Lü Yi. Lü Yi was situated on high ground, with a small hillside to the west where most of the troops were stationed. Before dusk, bonfires were lit all around, and the aroma of cooking food filled the air. The soldiers didn’t recognize Chu Qiao, but upon seeing Jiao Jiao approaching from a distance, they greeted her cheerfully, calling out loudly: “Hey! The commander’s here. Have you eaten? Would you like to sit and have something?”

Jiao Jiao laughed boldly: “Get lost! I’ve already eaten abalone, lobster, and pork hock over there. Why would I want your dry noodle soup?”

The soldiers laughed heartily, not taking offense, and made way for the two women. However, they paid a bit more attention when they saw Chu Qiao.

“That… this is what I’m giving you!” Jiao Jiao smiled, pushing Chu Qiao forward. Chu Qiao’s eyes immediately brightened.

She saw a dark red warhorse quietly tied to a large tree, with red fur all over its body and glossy black hooves. It had a patch of white hair on its nose, was well-fed and healthy, with bright eyes—clearly a fine horse. Chu Qiao slowly reached out her hand, gently stroking the horse’s nose. The horse obediently snorted, blowing hot air into Chu Qiao’s palm, warm and a bit ticklish.

Chu Qiao chuckled, and Jiao Jiao laughed beside her: “A Tu likes you.”

“A Tu?”

“Yes, his name. I named him” Jiao Jiao Patted the horse’s head, smiling proudly: “He’s the king of horses from the foot of Hui Hui Mountain. It took me seven days to hunt him down, and I’ve trained him for over a year. Now he’s yours.”

Since losing her warhorse, Chu Qiao hadn’t had a regular mount. Seeing that this was indeed a fine horse, she felt a warmth in her heart and smiled: “Thank you, Princess.”

“Can you not call me Princess?” Jiao Jiao said: “I’m not born from the main family line. Even when my father was alive, no one called me by that title, and now it’s even less appropriate.”

“Then, what should I call you?”

“Just call me Jiao Jiao. I’ll follow my brother’s example and call you A Chu. Neither of us will take advantage of the other.”

Chu Qiao smiled: “Jiao Jiao.”

Jiao Jiao smiled, her eyes narrowing into long, thin lines. Chu Qiao felt somewhat moved by the sight. This young woman wasn’t yet twenty. When the Yan family was massacred, she, as the only daughter of Yan Shi Cheng’s younger brother Yan Shi Feng, had fortunately escaped death because she was born to a dancing girl. While being taken to Zheng Huang as a slave, she was rescued by warriors from the Great Unity Association. Over the years, she had been a spiritual leader in Yan Bei, taking Yan Xun’s place as the only Yan bloodline in Yan Bei, gathering former subordinates and anti-Xia righteous people. Especially in recent years, as she grew older, she had gone to the front lines several times, becoming one of Yan Bei’s foremost generals.

In these chaotic times of war, anyone’s experience could almost be written as a legend.

“A Chu, is Zheng Huang fun?” After all, she was still a girl of eighteen or nineteen. After chatting with Chu Qiao for a while, the topic shifted: “I heard it’s especially prosperous there, with people from across the sea, from Florence, coming to trade. The people there have red hair and blue eyes. Have you seen them?”

Chu Qiao smiled and said: “I have, but not many. Speaking of prosperity and foreigners, Bian Tang has even more.”

“Bian Tang?”

“Yes,” the two women walked with the horse for a while, then sat down on a high slope, shoulder to shoulder. Their fur coats dragged on the ground, and the moonlight shone brightly on their shoulders.

Chu Qiao slowly said, “It’s a beautiful country. It never snows there, and there’s no winter. The four seasons are as warm as spring, with flowers blooming everywhere and thriving commerce. The city of Tang Jing alone has a population of over three million, almost one-third of our entire Yan Bei.”

“Wow!”

The young woman who had never left Yan Bei widened her eyes: “That’s incredible!”

“Yes,” Chu Qiao smiled, remembering Li Ce’s proud expression: “It’s quite impressive.”

“I must go see it someday,” Jiao Jiao waved her small fist, her face full of determination: “After we win the war, I’ll go.”

Chu Qiao said: “Yes, after we win, we’ll go. I’ll accompany you then.”

“Oh, oh, oh, you promised! You can’t go back on your word later.” Jiao Jiao immediately raised her voice and called out, turning to point at the horse that was quietly grazing nearby: “A Tu heard it, he’s my witness.”

The horse was very intelligent and clearly heard its name being called by its owner. It looked up, but its eyes revealed a hint of confusion.

Chu Qiao smiled: “Alright, A Tu will be our witness.”

At that moment, a sound suddenly came from below. Jiao Jiao energetically jumped up to look down, her face brightening as she waved and called out: “Xiao He, Xiao He, over here, over here!”

Soon, the sound of horse hooves echoed, and a handsome young man in his early twenties jumped off his horse, ran up a few steps, and asked breathlessly: “What’s the matter, calling so urgently for me?”

“I want to introduce a friend to you.”

Jiao Jiao pointed at Chu Qiao, saying proudly: “Do you know who this is? I’ll tell you, and it’ll shock you to death. Hehe, this is Chu Qiao, the one who, alongside the Southwest Garrison Commander, defeated a large group from the Northwest Army.”

“Ah?” Xiao He was immediately stunned, looking very surprised. His eyes widened, and his face full of disbelief, he exclaimed: “So young?”

Jiao Jiao gave him a look of disdain, as if mocking his lack of experience. She said to Chu Qiao: “A Chu, this is Xiao He. His full name is… Hey, Xiao He, what’s your full name again?”

Xiao He’s face immediately darkened, and he said glumly: “You don’t even remember my name?”

“Who bothers to remember that?” Jiao Jiao frowned, speaking righteously: “Nobody calls you by your full name anyway, so it’s completely useless.”

Xiao He gave her a look, then turned to Chu Qiao and said: “Miss Chu, my surname is Ye, Ye Ting He. I’m a secretary of the First Legion. Everyone calls me Xiao He, and you can call me that too.”

Chu Qiao smiled and said: “General Xiao He, pleased to meet you.”

“Pah, pah, him a general? Hehe, maybe in his next life,” Jiao Jiao scoffed.

“Hey! Jiao Jiao, speaking of me like this in front of a new friend, you’re being very disloyal!” Xiao He protested.

Jiao Jiao put her hands on her hips: “So what if I’m disloyal? You see a beautiful woman and can’t even walk straight. Let me tell you, A Chu is my brother’s wife, so don’t get any ideas.”

Xiao He’s face turned red: “When did I get any ideas? You’re spouting nonsense!”

Jiao Jiao pointed her finger at Xiao He’s chest, jabbing at it forcefully, and said domineeringly: “I’ll spout whatever I want, what can you do about it?”

Xiao He looked sullen: “Shrew! There’s no reasoning with you. Miss Chu, I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

“As if you have anything important to do! Secretary, huh? Who even knows what kind of official that is? Master Wu just gave you a random assignment to be nice.”

“You!”

Seeing that the two were getting red-faced and almost ready to fight, Chu Qiao quickly mediated: “With the new army being formed, a secretary bears heavy responsibilities. It’s natural to be busy.”

“A Chu, don’t speak up for him.”

Chu Qiao smiled and said: “I’m not. With the war at the frontlines, secretaries play a decisive role in the rear. Recruiting and training new soldiers, establishing military law, creating order, integrating the limited strength of the militia, organizing reinforcements to the frontlines, arranging for the security of newly occupied areas and new governing bodies, stabilizing the hearts of the people, gathering provisions and military supplies, organizing laborers, horse teams, and cart teams to transport provisions—these affairs are complex and not something an ordinary person can handle.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she saw the two of them staring at her blankly. Chu Qiao was slightly taken aback and asked in surprise: “What’s wrong? Did I say something incorrect?”

“No, no,” Jiao Jiao turned her head to Xiao He and asked: “Are you doing all of this now?”

“No,” Xiao He shook his head: “I’m just responsible for recording battle reports. Sometimes, I also help soldiers write letters to their families.”

Chu Qiao was immediately embarrassed. This wasn’t the job of a secretary at all; it was the work of a camp scribe.

“Xiao He, it seems you’ll need to visit A Chu frequently from now on.” Jiao Jiao blinked her eyes: “She’ll teach you many things.”

Xiao He nodded hurriedly: “No wonder she could achieve such a great victory. She’s truly remarkable and knowledgeable.”

Chu Qiao sighed helplessly. It seemed that the Yan Bei army truly needed a thorough reorganization.

After chatting for a while, they parted ways. Chu Qiao looked back from a distance and could still see Jiao Jiao and Xiao He walking together, playfully pushing and hitting each other. She couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Xiao He had been the son of a gardener in Yan Shi Feng’s household. When Yan Bei was attacked, he was captured along with Jiao Jiao. According to Jiao Jiao, she had heroically saved Xiao He, who was scared out of his wits and crying, leading him to escape from the clutches of Great Xia. However, Chu Qiao had heard that a child had rescued Jiao Jiao and carried her on his back through the snow for over a hundred li before finding the rescue team from the Great Unity Association. It seemed that this child was none other than Xiao He.

Vast snow, two children with their homes destroyed and families lost, a child of just over ten carrying another child on his back, trudging through the snow for over a hundred li—it was truly unimaginable.

Upon returning to the study, Chu Qiao found that Yan Xun was not in the room. She went to his room and looked around but didn’t see him. When she asked the servants guarding the door, a soldier said he had just seen the Young Master heading towards the back mountain.

Lü Yi was situated on high ground, and the city guard’s mansion was located at the highest point of the city, with a small hill behind it. Chu Qiao, wearing a heavy fox fur coat, trudged up the hill step by step. From a distance, she could see only a solitary tree on the hilltop, with stones piled on both sides, barren of any grass. Yan Xun sat on a stone, and in the night, the dead tree appeared somewhat fierce. Chu Qiao’s footsteps startled him. Yan Xun turned his head, stretched out his hand to Chu Qiao from a distance, and smiled: “You’re back.”

“Yes,” Chu Qiao walked forward a few steps, slightly out of breath. She took Yan Xun’s hand and sat down beside him, smiling: “Jiao Jiao gave me a horse. She said it’s the horse king from Hui Hui Mountain. It’s very beautiful.”

“Don’t believe her,” Yan Xun smiled, “These days, she’s given war horses to many people, telling everyone it’s the horse king from Hui Hui Mountain. Yesterday, she even gave me two, saying they were the male and female kings. According to her, it seems all the horses at the foot of Hui Hui Mountain are independent groups, and each one is a horse king.”

Chu Qiao was stunned, then shook her head and laughed lightly. Remembering Jiao Jiao’s mysterious manner, she couldn’t help but say: “She’s just a child.”

Yan Xun looked at her sideways: “Aren’t you younger than her?”

Chu Qiao was noncommittal: “I’m mentally mature.”

Yan Xun turned his head away. The moonlight shone on his face, creating a faint luminous haze, making his face appear somewhat pale. Chu Qiao asked: “Are you feeling better? It’s so cold here. Why don’t we go back?”

“It’s nothing. I just want to sit for a while,” Yan Xun shook his head, gazing at the city below and saying softly: “When you weren’t here recently, I felt restless. Now that you’re back, I can finally settle down and take a good look at Yan Bei.”

Below the mountain, countless lights flickered, and everything was peaceful and harmonious. From a distance, military songs with long, drawn-out tunes carried over, sounding somewhat desolate and solemn. Eagles and hawks soared in the sky, their sharp eyes scrutinizing the vast lands of Yan Bei. Yan Xun suddenly sighed: “A Chu, Yan Bei is very poor, and there’s constant internal strife. It’s no longer the Yan Bei of the past. These days, have you been disappointed?”

Chu Qiao turned her head but saw that Yan Xun wasn’t looking at her. She said softly: “If Yan Bei were still the same as before, then we wouldn’t need to work so hard for it.”

Yan Xun’s body trembled slightly, but he didn’t speak.

Chu Qiao held Yan Xun’s left hand. His hand was very cold, as cold as ice. His little finger was gone, leaving only four fingers that were long and rough, covered with calluses—calluses from practicing martial arts and wielding swords, and calluses from doing heavy labor, not at all like those of a nobleman. Chu Qiao held his hand tightly, brought it to her mouth, and gently blew on it, then rubbed it. Looking up with a smile, she said: “Speaking of poverty, was there anyone poorer than the two of us back then?”

Yan Xun turned his head to see the young woman’s bright eyes and white teeth, her smile like a flower glistening with dew in the night. Thinking of the past, he suddenly felt a pang in his heart. How could he forget the first New Year they spent in Zheng Huang City? The entire imperial city was filled with the festive sound of firecrackers, and brilliant fireworks lit up the sky. The palace was filled with the sound of string and wind instruments, like a tidal wave of music. In the most remote, dilapidated residence in the northwest part of the Sacred Gold Palace, two children huddled in a drafty, broken room, covered with everything that could keep them warm—tattered cotton wadding, sheets, window curtains, and draperies—looking like two little beggars.

A small pot was set up in the middle of the ground. They warmed themselves by the fire, continuously adding firewood. The girl’s cheeks were flushed red as she stirred the pot with a small ladle.

Half a bowl of white porridge and a few frozen, icy salted radishes were their New Year’s Eve dinner at that time. Yan Xun felt miserable and refused to eat out of spite. Chu Qiao then held the bowl, coaxing him, and lectured him on reason after reason. Later, Chu Qiao fell asleep leaning against Yan Xun’s shoulder. Yan Xun looked down at her and saw that her hands were covered with chilblains. Even though she had eaten, her stomach was still growling audibly. She was thin and sallow, looking as if she would never grow tall. At that time, the young boy had sworn to himself that one day, he would give her a good life. But now, so many years had passed, and she was still following him around, experiencing life and death situations.

“Oh no!” Chu Qiao suddenly cried out, looking very alarmed.

Yan Xun was slightly startled and asked: “What’s wrong?”

“The wine we buried in the palace—we forgot to drink it when we left.”

Yan Xun smiled, a flash of sharp coldness immediately passing through his eyes as he said in a calm tone: “Don’t worry, there will be opportunities.”

It was a simple sentence, yet it could not hide the sharp edge within. The man gazed forward as the cold wind blew through the black hair at his temples, across his cold features, and gently towards the vast lands of Yan Bei.

“Yan Xun, you said the issue of provisions and weapons would be resolved in the short term. Are you confident? Although Li Ce said he would turn a blind eye to our access to the Bian Tang black market, our needs are too great. I’m afraid it will alert the upper echelons.”

After thinking for two days, Chu Qiao finally voiced her concerns. Yan Xun’s eyes flickered slightly, and after a long while, he said softly: “Huai Song.”

“Huai Song? Why would Huai Song help us?”

“I met with the Imperial Princess of Huai Song.”

“Na Lan Hong Ye!” Chu Qiao was immediately shocked. She stared at Yan Xun with widened eyes, and after thinking for a long time, she said in a deep voice: “So what you told Li Ce earlier about wanting to obtain military supplies through the Bian Tang black market was just a cover? Your real purpose was to use the southern border waterways, to find an official protection that would allow free access to and from Huai Song, isn’t that right?”

Yan Xun nodded: “You’re correct.”

Chu Qiao frowned: “Bian Tang and Huai Song are at war. By doing this, aren’t we indirectly supporting Huai Song’s iron mines and gold, which means we’re siding with Huai Song against Li Ce?”

“Then what should we do?” Yan Xun turned his head, his gaze somewhat sharp: “Bian Tang doesn’t want to openly oppose Great Xia and doesn’t dare to support our provisions and military needs. I have no choice but to seek a third party. Surely you don’t expect me to buy food from Great Xia?”

Although she felt somewhat uncomfortable with the idea, Chu Qiao had to admit that Yan Xun was right. She should be grateful that Huai Song dared to help; otherwise, they might have had to open the Mei Lin Pass to trade with the Quan Rong people.

“A Chu, do you think Li Ce doesn’t know my intentions?” Yan Xun sighed and slowly said: “No matter how careful we are or how flawless our plan seems, thousands of supply carts safely passing through Bian Tang’s territory and going through the black market—do you think Li Ce would be completely unaware?”

Chu Qiao looked up, her gaze slightly flickering.

“He’s just pretending not to know. From Bian Tang’s perspective, it’s best if Great Xia and Yan Bei fight to the death, ideally for ten or eight years until both are destroyed. Huai Song supporting us with provisions aligns with Bian Tang’s interests, which is why they turn a blind eye. After three countries standing in a triangle for so many years, Bian Tang’s enemy isn’t just Huai Song—the biggest tiger is lurking in Hong Chuan. This point, Li Ce understands much better than you do.”

Yan Xun sighed slightly, his gaze distant as he looked at the thousands of lights below the mountain.

“Besides, we really can’t hold out much longer. Between us and Great Xia, it’s a long-term war. We must have a far-reaching perspective and can’t exhaust all resources at once. Yan Bei has suffered years of warfare, and the north is constantly threatened by the Quan Rong knocking at the gates and raiding the borders. Every autumn and winter, the common people suffer plundering. The people have endured the ravages of war, with great losses. They all look forward to my return to Yan Bei, not knowing that as soon as I return, full-scale war will erupt, and their suffering will only intensify. You said earlier in the meeting that the common people are the foundation of the Yan Bei righteous army. I’ve heard that many families don’t have enough food for the winter. If there are no supplies this year, people will die in large numbers from cold and starvation, making our already difficult situation even more challenging. I must give them a signal, a belief that as long as I return, their lives will improve. Only in this way will they loyally follow me.”

Chu Qiao nodded, feeling somewhat sad, and said softly: “You’re right.”

“A Chu, don’t think too much. It will all pass.”

Yan Xun patted Chu Qiao’s shoulder, the man forcing a strong smile: “We’ve overcome so many hardships. Is our current situation worse than before?”

The night wind was a bit cold, blowing on Chu Qiao’s face. Her eyelashes were long, black, and dense, like two small fans. She smiled and said: “Yan Xun, I believe in you.”

“Yes.” Yan Xun put his arm around her and gently kissed her forehead. His lips were cold and moist. Chu Qiao leaned against his chest, which was hard and broad. Through the thick fur coat, she could still hear the steady heartbeat, one after another, so determined. Their movements were natural; for eight years, it seemed they had always been like this. Neither of them spoke, some understandings like aged wine occasionally releasing a rich fragrance.

Some feelings are like the levees of a riverbank, so silent, guarding wordlessly year after year. Perhaps without intense waves, perhaps without scorching sparks, but that is the most steadfast place. Many people might overlook the power of the levee because of its silence, but once it’s gone and the flood waters rage, the scene would be incredibly wild and terrifying.

Supporting each other through thick and thin often seems too plain, perhaps unsuitable for their age. But their painful experiences had matured them early. Excitement and passion were still there, just well hidden.

“Yan Xun, who will Great Xia send to attack Yan Bei? Meng Tian? Zhao Che? Or someone else?”

“Meng Tian is already old,” Yan Xun’s voice carried a hint of heavy vicissitudes. In the night wind, it sounded somewhat hoarse: “As for Zhao Che, he’s likely to face trouble soon.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

Yan Xun smiled slightly, lowered his head, and gently flicked Chu Qiao’s forehead, deliberately frowning as he said: “A Chu, are you doing this on purpose? Asking me about such things?”

Chu Qiao grumbled as she rubbed her forehead, wrinkling her nose and saying: “When I’m with you, I don’t want to think too hard.”

Yan Xun was both amused and exasperated, realizing that no matter how wise a woman is, she always has a girlish side.

“After the rebellion in Zheng Huang, bandits across various regions seized the opportunity to make their moves. Some local lords also carefully tested the strength of the Zhao family. Additionally, with the plague spreading in Zheng Huang, the Zhao family had no choice but to relocate the capital. This is the first time in a hundred years that the Zhao family has shown such weakness, almost becoming the laughingstock of the world. But only Zhao Che did not retreat. Instead, he stayed behind to independently guard the capital, protect the people of Zheng Huang, resist bandits, and intimidate the local lords, establishing high prestige in both military and political circles. Think about it—with the temperament of the Emperor and those covetous royal family members of Great Xia, along with the group of old fellows in the Empire’s Elder Council, would they tolerate him?”

Chu Qiao nodded: “You’re right.”

Seeing that Chu Qiao could barely keep her eyes open, Yan Xun chuckled and said: “Right, indeed. Look how sleepy you are.”

“No… I’m listening carefully.”

Chu Qiao yawned, and Yan Xun stood up, lifting her in his arms: “Let’s go. Don’t worry about others. Whatever comes, we’ll wait and see who will be the first to stick their neck out.”

Chu Qiao, nestled in Yan Xun’s arms, mumbled in agreement. With her arms around his neck, she soon fell fast asleep.

Under the moonlight, the distant military camp sounded the lights-out signal, and thousands of lights extinguished at once, creating a magnificent scene.

Looking at the woman in his arms, Yan Xun suddenly felt his heart filled with strength. For the first time in his life, he felt such certainty in life. He would protect everything that was his and reclaim what was rightfully his.

At this moment, thousands of miles away on the land of Hong Chuan, beneath the majestic Cang Mu Mountain, a sea of lights shone brightly. Countless torches at the foot of the mountain formed a long dragon. The neighing of war horses and the songs of marching soldiers continuously echoed. The wilderness rustled, with grass reaching half the height of a person. On the grim earth, the soldiers’ armor and swords clashed together, producing the crisp sound unique to cold iron.

Zhao Che stood on the high ridge, the cold wind blowing against his resolute face, which bore traces of frost and wind. His black battle cloak billowed in the northern wind behind him, revealing the dark red lining beneath. His hand rested on the war blade at his waist, like a cold sculpture. He watched his army pass before him, like rolling tides, raising clouds of dust. Weapons, war horses, armor—an endless flow gradually moving away, disappearing on the distant postal road. In the darkness, his silhouette was tall and resilient, like a sharp war blade. Yet after the strong wind passed, his robes trembled, revealing his loneliness and solitude.

“Your Highness, please mount your horse. We need to return to Zheng Huang within two days. His Majesty misses you greatly.”

An official from the Imperial Law Institute stood behind him. Not far from them were over two hundred soldiers from the Institute, fully equipped in military attire. Although their swords remained sheathed, their expressions were cold and unapproachable.

The atmosphere in the air was extremely awkward. People’s breathing was somewhat rapid. Facing this renowned Seventh Prince of the dynasty, no one dared to show the slightest disrespect.

Zhao Che slowly turned around, his expression calm, showing none of the agitation the officials had anticipated. He raised his eyes, with cold corners, silently looking around. Wherever his gaze fell, there was only cringing fear.

On the second day of the tenth month, at the foot of Cang Mu Mountain, the Seventh Prince of Great Xia, Zhao Che, was urgently recalled to the capital. His command of the 200,000-strong Southwestern Army was unexpectedly transferred, placed under the leadership of the Third Prince, Zhao Qi. Three days later, Zhao Qi joined forces with the Fourteenth Prince Zhao Yang, who had rushed from the northwest. The two armies were reorganized and renamed the Northern Expedition Army. After resting for just one day, they quickly advanced into the northwest. Provincial and county governments along the way actively supplied military provisions. Thus, the first Northern Expedition War in the history of the Great Xia against Yan Bei slowly began to unfold.

The day Zhao Che returned to Zheng Huang, the capital city of Great Xia, instantly boiled over. Commoners collectively left the city and rushed to Luo Ma Slope, thirty li away. People pressed against people, squeezing together in a magnificent, jubilant scene. Wherever Zhao Che’s carriage passed, there was an ocean of exuberance. For this prince who had stayed alone to guard the imperial capital while the entire royal family fled, the common people gave him their heartfelt support. People loudly called out his royal title. The road was lined with foreheads smeared with dust, and pairs of passionate eyes gazed at the dust-covered carriage. Women and children shouted: “Your Highness, come out, come out and see us!”

The crowd was so enthusiastic and excited. They seemed as if they had taken opium, waving their hands and shouting: “Our Prince has returned!”

Among the crowd were even soldiers who had secretly run out, changed out of their uniforms, and come to welcome this prince who had been stripped of his military power, behind their superiors’ backs. They enthusiastically cheered: “Your Highness, we salute you!”

The soldiers of the Imperial Law Institute looked displeased. Despite the escort of the capital guards, the cold stares from the crowd shot at them like arrows, like knives that wouldn’t rest until they drew blood.

Zhao Che sat in the carriage, his face ashen. He heard the crowd’s calls outside, but he dared not look out. He didn’t know what attitude or expression he should use to face those commoners who sincerely supported him. Before this, he had never truly cared about these people. He had treated them as slaves of the empire, as pigs and dogs that could be slaughtered at will, as worthless weeds. Although he had stayed behind alone to guard the imperial capital and protect the empire, it was only because he wanted to protect his country, his bloodline, the dignity of Great Xia, and not to guard the homes of those commoners.

But after near-death experiences, after returning from hundreds of battles, after stabilizing the situation, what the empire gave him was suspicion and exclusion. Even his father was wary of his abilities. The Elder Council did not mention his achievements at all. Documents impeaching him filled the files of the Imperial Law Institute. They feared the strength he had accumulated during the war, feared the support he retained among the people, feared his formidable reputation within the army. Stripping his military power, essentially placing him under house arrest—everything from years ago was happening again. And when he returned to square one with nothing, those who continued to give him love and support, as always, were these commoners who had nothing.

For their enthusiasm and gratitude, Zhao Che suddenly felt deep sorrow.

They did not understand that it was precisely the empire’s tyranny that had caused this disaster, and they, who had silently borne all the consequences, still had to shed tears of gratitude for a bit of kindness from the primary culprits.

He suddenly remembered something Chu Qiao had said to him when she was in his army not long ago:

“The common people are the most generous in this world. For thousands of years, they have silently endured everything. Tyranny, taxation, forced labor, oppression—they endure hunger, live in uncertainty, work hard, and even live without dignity. They hand over everything they have earned through hard work, keeping only a tiny fraction to feed their families, never complaining. But if you show them just a little goodness, a little mercy, they will silently remember it in their hearts and sincerely support and love you.”

At that time, he had merely laughed it off. To use this woman who then seemed unremarkable, he had even been magnanimous enough not to openly despise or contradict her.

But now, he suddenly understood. Some intense emotions had taken root in his heart, like a seed finally breaking through the soil and slowly growing.

In the Qingshan Villa of the Zhuge Mansion, the fourth young master of the Zhuge family, now idle at home, was drinking tea in the flower hall. For many years, he had always been a person who knew how to take care of himself. Although his family had lost power, he had not become dejected and abandoned himself as people outside had expected. Instead, he leisurely enjoyed tea, cultivated orchids, practiced calligraphy, and read books. Occasionally, he would also go to the stables to ride horses.

Seeing him like this, no one would imagine that not long ago, this man had just been defeated in the family’s power struggle. A serious mistake had caused him to step down completely with no chance of recovery. Now he could not even leave the gates of the Zhuge Mansion and was almost completely under house arrest.

Yue Qi entered the flower hall and whispered: “Young Master, I have returned.”

“Mm,” Zhuge Yue lazily lifted his eyes, acknowledging with a sound, while carefully using the tea cup lid to skim the tea leaves inside.

“The Seventh Prince has returned to the capital and is now heading towards the Sacred Gold Palace. Soldiers from the Imperial Law Institute are following him on both sides. None of the officers and soldiers from the Southwestern Army are with him. I heard that they have already been taken over by the Third Prince.”

Zhuge Yue’s movements paused slightly, then he chuckled lightly, his emotions indiscernible.

“The major provinces and counties in the northwest have all prepared provisions for support. The Batuga family has sent 100,000 elite troops to accompany the army. The Fourteenth Prince is also rushing to join forces. This time, the empire has deployed forces totaling 600,000, all elite cavalry and heavy infantry, with very formidable military strength.”

Zhuge Yue hummed lightly while drinking his tea, saying in a flat tone: “A pack of dogs cannot defeat a lion. Sending such a bunch of cowards—I think Great Xia’s days are numbered.”

Yue Qi was slightly startled and said: “Young Master, the Third Prince is from the Military Academy. The Fourteenth Prince has recently conquered several Yan Bei armies in the northwest. The Batuga family is also strong in soldiers and horses. How can they be called useless?”

Zhuge Yue slowly raised his head, his eyes black as ink, and said slowly: “Discussing warfare on paper is one thing, real combat is another. If this war were completely commanded by Zhao Qi or Zhao Yang or whoever, there would be a fifty percent chance of victory. But now with three armies marching, led by three self-important figures who think highly of themselves, what do you think the outcome will be?”

Hearing this, Yue Qi was immediately at a loss for words.

Zhuge Yue frowned slightly and said in a low tone: “An army can only have one voice to ensure effective implementation of strategy from top to bottom. Now with three powers standing in balance, restraining and checking each other, if Yan Xun doesn’t know how to take advantage of this, then he truly is an idiot.”

The man was tall and slender. He slowly stood up and walked towards the inner hall, saying as he went: “Notify Zhu Cheng to withdraw all our businesses from the northwest. This war will be prolonged; there’s no more money to be made in the west.”

The autumn air was crisp, and the sunlight was piercingly bright. The man in his blue robes slowly disappeared among the many flower pots and orchids. Yue Qi looked at his retreating figure, suddenly feeling puzzled. There were questions he wanted to ask but didn’t dare. He wanted to know: Young Master, who do you hope will win?

On the sixth day of the tenth month, there was a strong wind.

The Northwestern Army led by the Fourteenth Prince Zhao Yang, the Southwestern Army led by the Third Prince Zhao Qi, the Golden Sun Legion led by Tuba Guli, the eldest son of the Batuga family, and the Northern Alliance formed by the major provinces and counties of the northwest—these four armies simultaneously advanced into the northwest. The Southwestern Army and the Golden Sun Legion launched a frontal attack, the Northwestern Army flanked from the left, and the Northern Alliance flanked from the right, like a sharp knife, rushing forward like a tsunami. The total force amounted to 700,000 troops. Including the logistics and supply transport auxiliary forces responsible for the rear, a total of over one million troops were hurrying towards the land of Yan Bei.

On the postal roads from within Great Xia to the northwest, vehicles, horses, and people flowed day and night without stopping. Countless provisions, materials, manpower, and war horses continuously poured into the Northern Expedition camp. Great Xia had been sharpening its weapons and feeding its horses, and now the anger accumulated over half a year was released at once, with an arrogance that seemed invincible.

The fires of war were about to ignite, blades had been sharpened. With nowhere to retreat, nowhere to hide, the Yan Bei army gathered at the border city of North Shuo, on high alert, ready for battle.

A world-shaking war was about to begin.