After stabilizing the military’s morale, Yan Xun immediately launched swift and decisive reforms. He first verified the military registers and extracted one-third of the Black Hawk Army, dispersing them among various divisions. These personnel mostly served in administrative positions within the army, hardly interfering with the main combat authority of the military department. The various division commanders who had been concerned about Yan Xun seizing power were greatly relieved by this arrangement. They happily assigned these personnel elegant-sounding titles: Imperial Historiographers (scribes who wrote morale-boosting speeches after military victories), Provisions Registrars (officials recording daily supply movements), Weapons Inspection Officers (managing weapon losses), Camp Correspondence Officers (writing letters home for soldiers and overseeing the distribution of correspondence), and Battlefield Commissary Supervisors (authority limited to managing kitchen utensils in logistics, yet they were the officers with the closest relationships to the soldiers), among many others.

Those poor generals from Yan Bei, born and bred in military service, had no understanding of the strategic significance these seemingly insignificant positions held for an army. Before Chu Qiao, a commander trained in modern military tactics, and Yan Xun, an old hand who had been immersed in power struggles for over a decade, their wisdom was as thin as the membrane of an eggshell. The very evening of the military reforms, the commanders of various divisions gathered in small groups, congratulating each other on yet another victory against the upper echelons, celebrating once more their triumph over Yan Xun—that pretty boy who had returned from the imperial city to reap benefits without effort—and celebrating how the Yan Bei local forces had once again maintained a high degree of autonomous authority. They drank themselves into a stupor, completely dispelling any concerns about Yan Xun seizing power upon his return to Yan Bei. Everyone was flushed with excitement, feeling that their future was bright with hope. Meanwhile, on the desk of that “pretty boy” whom they repeatedly mentioned, there already lay a thick stack of internal documents from various divisions.

The content of these documents covered everything from the actual numbers, composition, combat effectiveness, supply allocation, and weapons status of each army unit, down to the loyalty of each squad leader toward their superiors, the actual distribution of night sentries, which team leader was brave in battle, which was unruly, which would lag, which had tendencies toward instability, and even which division commander kept a mistress where, where they had an illegitimate child, which bank they frequented, which underground gambling den they had a bad record in, who loved to drink, who loved to hoard wealth, who had a bad temper, who often beat people, who was foolish without ambition, and who was unpopular. The intelligence was diverse and all-encompassing. After Chu Qiao led the staff officers in working through the night to systematically analyze and integrate everything, Yan Xun had, through this subtle and imperceptible method, thoroughly mastered firsthand information about the entire Yan Bei armed forces. The completeness and detail of the information would surely leave the subjects themselves in awe.

They had no idea that, in just one night, an invisible hand had already extended over their heads. The power of this hand was immense, and in the years to come, everyone would deeply experience its might.

This was the predecessor of the famous Sparrow Corps, which would later achieve remarkable feats in the Second Northern Expedition, the Third Northern Expedition, and even during the three-year Western Defense War. It was they who repeatedly safeguarded Yan Bei’s regime and dignity, saving the fate of Yan Bei and even the entire continent during critical moments, becoming the most legendary force on the Western plains—a steel-blooded army capable of both offense and defense, charging forward irresistibly at the sound of the bugle with unstoppable war horses, and when lying low, immediately dispersing into invisibility while coordinating all intelligence. Their combat capability was unmatched in the contemporary world, except for the future Beautiful Army and the Seventh Division of the Qinghai King’s secret personal troops.

Of course, at this moment, no one could witness the power of this corps. After the morning military bugle sounded, the soldiers gazed toward Northern Shuo, parted ways, and set off on their respective journeys filled with weapons and bloodshed.

Chu Qiao stood at the gates of Northern Shuo. Directly ahead were three thousand vanguard troops from the First Liberation Army and the remaining twenty thousand soldiers of the Black Hawk Army. Yan Xun was fully armored, wearing a black fur coat with sword and blade ready. The cold wind blew past his temples, lightly brushing against the man’s thin yet resilient profile. She suddenly felt cold, gently pursing her lips, wanting to say something but feeling her throat tighten, as if everything that needed to be said had already been spoken, leaving only deep concern and reluctance.

“Let me go with you.” She finally uttered these words, though knowing it was a futile hope, she still clung to his sleeve pitifully, pleading once more.

…

…

“Ah Chu, be good.” Yan Xun grasped Chu Qiao’s hand, brought it to his mouth and breathed on it, then affectionately rubbed it, saying in a gentle voice: “Meilin Pass is a thousand miles away, the weather is bitterly cold, and the climate is abnormal these days. Your health isn’t good—how could you endure such a long and arduous journey? Moreover, this place needs someone I trust to coordinate everything and send battle reports to me regularly. Great Xia won’t attack for some time, and Northern Shuo is still some time away from becoming the main battlefield. I will send someone to escort you to Lan City in the rear, where Lady Yu’s forces are. You will receive her help and care, and that will set my mind at ease.”

They had gone over these words countless times last night, and Chu Qiao knew there was no hope in asking, but she still felt unhappy. She sullenly lowered her head, hanging it without a word.

“Your Highness, it’s time to depart,” A’Jing approached and said softly.

“Wait a moment,” Yan Xun looked up, his face dark, saying in an extremely unfriendly tone: “Can’t you see I’m discussing important military matters with Director Chu?”

A’Jing hit a major snag and immediately bowed carefully, no longer daring to disturb Prince Yan and Director Chu of the Staff Department as they discussed “important military matters.”

“Ah Chu, don’t act like a child. Ten days at most, and I’ll return.”

Yan Xun bent down, bringing his head under Chu Qiao’s downcast face, gently pinching her cheek, his smile as warm as a mouse that had stolen honey: “I know Ah Chu is incredibly capable. Having you by my side is worth more than ten reinforced battalions, more useful than a hundred military advisors. Just standing at the gates of Meilin Pass would make everyone inside flee and surrender immediately. All resistance would melt away like water, and the Great Xia bandits would weep and beg for mercy, laying down their arms in surrender, prostrating themselves before your divine might. But what can I do? You’re needed here too. Without you here, I can’t eat or sleep properly, and my mind wanders. So please, Director Chu, take pity on this small wish of mine and help me manage this mess in Northern Shuo.”

With a snort of laughter, the sulking person finally turned from anger to joy, landing a light punch on Yan Xun’s shoulder, pouting: “Smooth talker.”

Yan Xun exaggeratedly made a gesture of relief, wiping his forehead with his hand and shaking it off as if he could shake off buckets of sweat, clicking his tongue: “Finally, the storm has passed. It was more exhausting than fighting an entire Northern Expedition.”

Chu Qiao’s eyes widened: “You’re still talking!”

“No more, no more,” Yan Xun hurriedly apologized: “I was talking nonsense, being too talkative. Please don’t nitpick, Director Chu.”

Chu Qiao snorted, with an expression of having just pardoned him, making Yan Xun laugh heartily. In the distance, soldiers were craning their necks, wondering why Prince Yan and Director Chu could discuss military affairs with such animation, sometimes bowing respectfully, beaming with excitement. Perhaps Director Chu had decided to assassinate the Xia Emperor in Zhenhuan City?

“You must be careful, you know. On the battlefield, swords and knives have no eyes. Don’t recklessly put yourself in danger.”

Even the most fierce and powerful woman would become disoriented in certain situations, just like now. After realizing she wouldn’t be able to accompany him, she began to chatter incessantly again.

“Yes, I understand,” Yan Xun nodded obediently, his attitude very good.

“Although the First Army is commanded by Mr. Wu, the internal factions within the corps are complex, with deep infiltration from the Datong Society. You must be careful of fires from the rear and internal instability.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve noted it.”

“Meilin Pass is too far north, and the weather is cold. You also have health issues, so pay attention to keeping warm, wear more clothes, use more blankets at night, and remember to take the medicine prescribed by the medical officer on time.”

“Alright, I will pay attention.”

“Remember to keep a basin of water by your bedside when you sleep. You often cough, and the smoke from the brazier is too strong, which is bad for your health.”

“Yes, I’ll remember.”

“Leave the negotiations with the Quanrong people to others, don’t handle it personally. We don’t understand their attitudes, so we must be vigilant against changes.”

“Don’t worry.”

“Remember to write to me every day. If I don’t receive news from you for three days, I’ll immediately go to Meilin Pass to find you.”

Someone moaned weakly: “Even if I die, I’ll remember to write and inform you first.”

Who knew that the one chattering would immediately become anxious: “Why talk about dying? If you say that again, I’ll pack my bags and follow you immediately!”

Yan Xun hastily declared: “I was talking nonsense, my crime is great. Ah Chu, if we continue talking, it will be dark soon.”

“What does it matter if it gets dark? If it’s dark, then leave tomorrow.”

Yan Xun’s tears were almost flowing down. He could only choose to groan helplessly, not daring to express any reactionary remarks.

“How many overcoats did you bring?”

“Five.”

“What about boots? There’s snow everywhere, and it melts once near a fire. Remember not to wear wet boots.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Did you bring hand warmers? How many? Is it enough?”

“Ah Chu,” Yan Xun was covered in black lines: “You packed my luggage.”

“Oh? Did I? I forgot.” Chu Qiao’s attitude was very natural. “Let me see, did you bring knee protectors? Oh yes. Do you have enough socks? Oh, you brought eighty pairs. Is the hood thick enough? It’s fine, it’s made of bear skin, and I also sewed a fox fur lining on the outside.”

Chu Qiao unloaded the luggage from the carriage, squatted on the ground, and looked through it back and forth. After a while, she seemed to suddenly remember something and jumped up, shouting: “Is there enough charcoal? I only packed one cartload for you.”

Yan Xun wearily replied: “It’s enough, Ah Chu, it’s enough. Don’t worry, our troops are stationed all along the way. Even if it’s not enough, we can replenish from the army.”

“How can that be acceptable?” Chu Qiao frowned: “We use white orchid charcoal, which produces the least smoke. The army only has crude charcoal, which creates billows of smoke when burned and damages the respiratory tract.”

Before Yan Xun could stop her, Chu Qiao had already instructed the guard following behind: “You, yes, you, come here. Go to the military supplies department immediately and bring two carts of charcoal. Remember, it must be white orchid charcoal. Hurry, this is a matter of life and death for our army. His Highness trusts you to give you this task, and you must complete it with the utmost speed, understand? The skies of Yan Bei will remember your loyalty and bravery.”

The young soldier was so excited that his face turned red. After holding back for a moment, he suddenly gave a military salute and shouted: “Everything for Yan Bei!”

With that, he ran off, even though he didn’t understand what the connection was between two carts of charcoal and the life and death of the army. But Director Chu was a military genius, and the tasks she assigned must have deep internal significance. The soldier firmly believed that in future battles, these two carts of white orchid charcoal would play a decisive role in our army’s victory or defeat. So, with passionate valor and revolutionary enthusiasm, he ran off wildly, so excited that he forgot to ride his horse.

The morning sun blazed like fire, golden light stretching for thousands of miles. On the vast snowy plain, two people were reluctantly bidding farewell.

“Yan Xun, you must be careful. This journey is fraught with danger; be wary of everyone around you.”

Yan Xun nodded: “I know. The same goes for you. With me gone, some might try to bully you. Remember their names, don’t confront them directly, and wait for me to return and deal with them one by one.”

“Yes, alright. We’ll confiscate their homes and seize their property then.”

“Good, and we’ll tie them up so you can beat them as you please.”

“Fine, it’s decided then.” Chu Qiao nodded and continued: “The four thousand archers I’ve assigned to you should be kept as your guards. Don’t readily deploy them in battle. Their weapons have been improved by me and have extraordinary combat effectiveness. We should keep them as a secret weapon.”

“Alright, I’ll remember that.”

“Don’t eat cold food; it’s bad for your health. Make sure you rest and don’t overexert yourself.”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

“Ride horses less and stay in the carriage more. The wind is too strong; thick clothes won’t help.”

“Mm.”

“Don’t drink cold water. I’ve packed honey for you. Drink more of it; you’ve lost a lot of weight recently.”

“Mm…”

“If anyone in the army recruits courtesans, behead them. Those women might be diseased. Don’t even look at them, understood?”

“I… I understand…”

“If any local officials dare to send you beautiful women, write down their names and tell me when you return. Those women are probably all spies sent to monitor you. Not one can be kept. I’m saying this for your good.”

“…”

“After capturing Meilin Pass, don’t annihilate the families of the rebels. They can be sent to the mines for labor. As for the women, don’t keep them in the army—just expel them beyond the border. Having a group of women remain in the army is a classic case of disrupting military morale. None of them is any good.”

Chu Qiao spoke eloquently, her expression full of contempt for those women who disrupted military morale. She seemed to forget that she was a woman in the army, and even held a high position with considerable power…

“Yan Xun,” Chu Qiao’s gaze was deep, her expression very sincere as she spoke earnestly: “The purity of an army and a political party depends on guidance from its highest leader. You are the King of Yan Bei. Your quality of life and moral standards will directly influence the direction of Yan Bei’s regime and will directly affect the future fate of Yan Bei, and might even have an immeasurable effect on the entire Western continent. The lifestyle of those playboys in Zhenhuan City—impractical, arbitrary, corrupt, with chaotic and irresponsible relationships—you must not be contaminated by it. Although you are now in a high position with great power, you must remain vigilant against dangers. You must be cautious! This is the most sincere advice from me as a friend who has grown up with you, fought alongside you, and lived with you.”

Yan Xun was thoroughly embarrassed and speechless.

Unexpectedly, Chu Qiao was very dissatisfied with his attitude. She raised her eyebrows and angrily said: “Are you even listening to me seriously?”

Yan Xun almost cried, his expression extremely pained: “Ah Chu, I’m listening.”

Chu Qiao’s anger subsided slightly. She glanced at him sideways, saying with a touch of coquettishness: “Send me a message by falcon after you reach Luo’an City tonight. Don’t make me worry.”

Yan Xun’s heart was bleeding. At this point, even if their war horses suddenly grew four more legs each, they probably wouldn’t reach Luo’an by tonight.

Seeing that the small soldier who had gone to fetch charcoal had returned with excitement, Chu Qiao had no choice but to end her lengthy speech. She felt a bit sad, and her eyes stung a little as she held onto Yan Xun’s sleeve, unwilling to let go. This was so unlike her usual behavior. She knew Yan Xun was probably laughing at her inside, and A’Jing and the others might be laughing hard, but she just didn’t want to let go. The last time they parted, it was for so long. The two of them had never been separated for such a long time in all these years, and she instinctively resisted this separation. She awkwardly tried to make conversation, hanging her head in embarrassment, like a little wife who had been wronged, muttering so softly that Yan Xun couldn’t even hear what she was saying.

“How about…” Yan Xun tentatively asked, his voice particularly small: “You accompany me for a while? But you must return when we reach Sunset Mountain!”

With a “whoosh,” a white figure flashed past him, making Yan Xun think he had seen a ghost. In an instant, Chu Qiao was no longer where she had been. The King of Yan Bei was somewhat dazed. Before he could react, he saw that Chu Qiao had already run to the distant troops, sitting straight on horseback, waving at him and shouting: “Come on! Why aren’t you moving yet? What time is it? So slow!”

Other soldiers were looking at Yan Xun with sidelong glances, their expressions seeming to say: His Highness has probably never been on a battlefield before, he’s scared and reluctant to leave!

In that moment, Yan Xun wanted to cry but had no tears.

“Miss! Are you coming with us too?”

The troops finally set off. The soldiers of the Black Hawk Army were familiar with Chu Qiao and asked with smiles.

“No, I’m only escorting you to Sunset Mountain.”

“It would be great if the miss came along. The miss is formidable in battle!” an old soldier who had been following Yan Xun since Zhenhuan said simple-mindedly.

“Indeed, I saw it the other day. The miss alone could defeat more than a hundred men. Those men were each as tall as small mountains with eyes as big as bronze bells. Their fists could shatter a skull with one blow. I, Old Liu, couldn’t handle even one of them. But the miss, in no time at all, took them all down without getting a drop of blood on herself.”

“Really? That impressive?” The uninformed young soldiers widened their eyes.

“Absolutely! You didn’t see it. That scene, hey, I’m not exaggerating.”

Chu Qiao modestly replied with embarrassment: “Haha, not that impressive, just average, really just average.”

“It would be great if the miss came with us.”

The soldiers collectively sighed again, and Chu Qiao immediately turned her head back haughtily, looking expectantly at Yan Xun. Her expression seemed to say: “Did you hear that? Did you hear that? This is the voice of the masses!”

“Just walk properly! Stop with so much nonsense!”

Yan Xun reprimanded them with a dark face, pretending not to see Chu Qiao’s gaze and pretending that all those words were praising today’s food and weather.

In less than an hour, the army arrived at Sunset Mountain in the west. The main force went ahead, while Yan Xun and his guard unit stopped briefly. Seeing Chu Qiao with reddened eyes, lowering her head and fidgeting with her fingers, Yan Xun had to sigh, jump off his horse, walk forward, and gently embrace her, saying softly: “I promise you, I guarantee I’ll take care of my health, be very careful, retreat immediately if the battle situation becomes unfavorable, never be recklessly brave, and return to you intact in ten days. If I fail to do any of these, you can beat or scold me as you wish when I return. Don’t be like this. How can I leave with peace of mind when you’re like this? Ah Chu has always been the strongest. You need to support me, help me, and be my closest comrade and most trustworthy lover, right?”

“Mm,” the girl’s head rested against Yan Xun’s chest, her voice somewhat muffled and particularly aggrieved as she said: “You better keep your word.”

“Absolutely!” Yan Xun promised solemnly: “A man of his word cannot be stopped by four horses. Anyone who doesn’t keep their promise doesn’t deserve to walk on two legs.”

“Alright then, you can go.”

“Not yet, there’s one more thing.” Yan Xun suddenly grew serious: “This is very important. You need to remember it carefully.”

“Hm?” Chu Qiao immediately looked up, blinking her misty eyes: “What is it?”

“As a friend who has grown up with you, fought with you, and lived with you, I have one most sincere piece of advice for you that you must always remember.”

Chu Qiao frowned. Clever as she was, she seemed to have already detected a hint of conspiracy. She asked suspiciously: “What exactly do you want to say?”

“You need to be more straightforward with me!”

Yan Xun shouted sternly, suddenly bending down and kissing Chu Qiao on the lips. His domineering aura immediately invaded as the man pressed his hand against the back of the young woman’s head. Their lips and teeth met, and his tongue entered forcefully, dominating and assertive, instantly breaking through the young woman’s fragile defense, catching her completely off guard. Her breathing immediately became irregular, her chest heaving violently. On the vast snowy plain covered in silvery white, in front of five hundred guards, the King of Yan Bei was French kissing Director Chu of the Staff Department, with no sense of embarrassment despite the public spectacle.

Only when Chu Qiao was about to pass out did Yan Xun finally release her slightly. Seeing her blushing and looking around, just like a thief caught in the act, Yan Xun immediately burst into laughter and said loudly: “What are you afraid of? All of Yan Bei is mine.”

Chu Qiao immediately exploded, shouting with a red face: “Ah! You scoundrel! You’ve ruined my reputation!”

Yan Xun held Chu Qiao by the waist, slightly raising the corner of his eye with an alluring smile: “Ah Chu, don’t you know? From the moment you followed me into the Sacred Jin Palace, the word ‘reputation’ had already waved goodbye to you.”

“Bastard!” Chu Qiao’s words failed her. Seeing everyone around smiling at her, she became even more furious and pointed at A’Jing and others, shouting: “Don’t laugh! Don’t tell anyone! I’ll beat you! And you, you, who are you? Your teeth are all showing when you laugh! What’s your name? Which unit? Still laughing? I’m talking to you!”

“Ah Chu! Don’t change the subject!” Yan Xun grew serious, pulling her over: “You need to be more straightforward. You’re worried I’ll flirt with other women, so why come up with all these long speeches, acting all righteous? I think you’re the one who deserves a beating.”

“Hey, hey!” Chu Qiao was thoroughly embarrassed, her face red as she stamped her foot: “Surname Yan, have I not disciplined you for too long? You still want to beat me? Can you even defeat me?”

Yan Xun snorted: “I’ve been going easy on you. Do you think you’re invincible?”

“Fine, crossing the river and tearing down the bridge? If you’re not convinced, let’s have a match!”

Yan Xun immediately laughed: “Ah Chu, are you reluctant to see me leave? Deliberately wasting my time to delay me?”

Chu Qiao’s eyes widened as she shouted angrily: “Who’s reluctant to see you leave? Get out quickly! Even looking at you for one more moment annoys me!”

“Are you sure I should leave?”

“Go, go, no one wants to look at you.”

“Don’t regret it!”

“I’ll never regret it.”

“Don’t cry in secret after I’m gone!”

“Are you leaving or not? So much nonsense!”

“Haha!” Yan Xun mounted his horse, laughing loudly: “Ah Chu, I’m off! In ten days, at Minlan Plain, wait for my triumphant return!”

“Hya!”

Over a hundred war horses immediately galloped away, leaving behind a straight line of white snow foam in their wake. War eagles flew together in the sky, with the wind rolling in the distance. The fierce sun shone like gold, illuminating the departing silhouettes of the warriors, like a magnificent painting. In a flash, only faint shadows remained.

Chu Qiao stood in place, watching Yan Xun’s departing figure, her heart filled with tender emotions. She silently pressed her palms together, slowly closed her eyes, and spoke in a calm voice, filled with deep affection and sincerity: “Almighty deity, please bless my beloved, bless him with smooth sailing and a safe return.”

On the eighteenth day of the tenth month, Yan Xun made a shocking military move that was considered suicidal but caught everyone by surprise. He led the vanguard of the First Army Corps to Lanque Province to meet up with Wu Daoya of the First Army Corps, bringing two hundred thousand troops to attack Meilin Pass, located at the northernmost point of Yan Bei.

Even many years later, when people mention the famous battles of the Beautiful Era, Yan Xun’s division of forces that day remains one of the most renowned contemporary battles. Facing the pressure of a million troops from Eastern Great Xia, he, as the main battle commander, actually led his most elite forces in a flanking attack on the remaining Great Xia garrison in the north. In military terms, this was an unimaginable risk. But it was precisely his action on this day that saved the entire strategic situation of the First Northern Expedition, reversed Yan Bei’s predicament of fighting on two fronts, eliminated unstable factors in Yan Bei’s rear, and even indirectly saved the fate of the entire Yan Bei Plateau.

One can imagine the expression on the faces of the Xia army when the Yan Bei forces suddenly appeared before Meilin Pass with lightning speed. Believing that Great Xia reinforcements had arrived, that the crisis at Meilin Pass had been resolved, they had relaxed their vigilance and loosened their defenses. It must have been quite a spectacular scene.

Facing the history books, people must admit that it was no coincidence or luck that allowed Yan Xun to endure hardship for eight years in the imperial city, eventually break through Zhenhuan’s defense line, march his troops to Yan Bei, and later establish a world-renowned foundation. Whether in politics or military affairs, he was a genius with superb creativity. He possessed a wild imagination and dared to put this imagination into practice. Moreover, he had an indomitable will and endurance. He possessed almost all the qualities a successful king should have. Most importantly, he had an incomparable disgust and hatred for the current rulers. What he lacked now was perhaps just a bit of ambition to swallow the world. Believe it, in the years to come, this too would gradually be remedied.

It was foreseeable that a great figure had been born. His brilliant achievements, which would be looked up to by countless people throughout their lives and praised and worshiped by future generations, from this moment on, began to unfold like a legend…